In the dimly lit corridors of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, mobile phone flashlights have become as crucial as stethoscopes for doctors navigating the facility without functioning generators.
The ongoing fuel shortages, a consequence of over 10 months of conflict, have severely limited the services at the few hospitals still operational in the besieged region.
Ayman Zaqout, who struggled to reach Kamal Adwan in Beit Lahia due to Israeli strikes and evacuation orders, found himself treated largely in darkness. “There was no electricity, and I didn’t know how they could treat me under these conditions,” he told AFPTV this week, grimacing in pain from renal colic.
Zaqout’s situation was fortunate in itself. Shortly after his arrival, the hospital had to stop admitting new patients due to a lack of fuel, according to Dr. Mahmoud Abu Amsha. “International organizations no longer supply us with the fuel needed for the generators,” he explained.
Dr. Abu Amsha warned that the fuel shortages could have fatal consequences. “Children in incubators are at risk of cardiac arrest and death, and there are seven critical cases in the ICU who might die due to the lack of fuel,” he said.
The conflict in Gaza began with Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in 1,199 deaths, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Palestinian militants also took 251 hostages, with 105 still in Gaza, including 34 confirmed dead, according to the military.
Israel’s retaliatory campaign has resulted in the deaths of 40,265 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and militants. The UN rights office reports that most of the casualties are women and children.
With Gaza’s population of 2.4 million—almost all displaced at least once—only 16 hospitals are still functioning, and all are operating at reduced capacity. Gaza’s sole power plant ceased operations early in the conflict, and Israel cut off the electricity supply.
While solar energy provides some relief during major emergencies, such as a severe airstrike or a sudden influx of wounded, it cannot sustain patients who require continuous electrical support, according to Dr. Abu Amsha.
Fuel shortages have also impacted ambulance operations. Al-Awda Hospital, also in northern Gaza, is awaiting a critical fuel delivery to resume generator operations, as reported by acting director Mohammed Salha. “Two days ago, we had to suspend some services and delay surgeries, putting patients at risk,” Salha said.
The hospital has managed to provide minimal services thanks to fuel donations from other facilities.
– AFP
