SAFA — The Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has warned of a worsening health crisis in Gaza as severe shortages of fuel, medicines and medical equipment threaten the operation of the enclave’s already devastated healthcare system.

Bashar Murad, director of health programs at the PRCS, warned that Gaza’s health system is facing severe strain, with hospitals increasingly at risk of losing essential services because of fuel shortages and prolonged electricity cuts.

Gaza has remained largely without grid electricity, forcing hospitals to depend heavily on generators to keep operating rooms, intensive care units and other critical departments running. Shortages of fuel, engine oil and spare parts have placed those generators under increasing pressure.

Murad said Israeli violations of the ceasefire have killed about 1,372 Palestinians and injured 4,659 others since it took effect on October 11, 2025, further straining Gaza’s depleted medical system.

He also warned that restrictions affecting Gaza’s crossings have worsened conditions for patients and wounded Palestinians requiring advanced treatment or medical evacuation outside the enclave.

According to Murad, Gaza’s healthcare system continues to suffer severe shortages of medicines, hospital beds, ambulances and essential medical equipment, while damaged diagnostic and laboratory services have further reduced hospitals’ ability to treat patients.

He called on international organisations and relevant authorities to intervene urgently to ensure the entry of fuel, medicines, medical equipment, spare parts and additional ambulances.

The warning comes amid growing concern over fuel supplies to Gaza’s remaining health facilities. Gaza health authorities said WHO-funded diesel supplies to more than 20 hospitals and health centres could be suspended from September 19 because of a funding shortfall, potentially placing further pressure on facilities already struggling to remain operational.

The World Health Organization has repeatedly warned of the fragility of Gaza’s healthcare system. Its reporting shows that many health facilities remain nonfunctional, while hospitals continue to face severe shortages of fuel, medical supplies and healthcare workers.

The latest crisis comes as Gaza’s hospitals struggle to maintain even basic services amid continuing Israeli attacks and restrictions, leaving patients and medical workers facing an increasingly precarious healthcare system.