Gaza hospitals face oxygen supply collapse

The Palestinian Ministry of Health has warned of a catastrophic health crisis in the Gaza Strip due to the failure of most oxygen generation plants in hospitals. The shutdown is attributed to the ongoing blockade, which prevents the entry of essential spare parts and maintenance supplies required to reactivate the machinery.

Medical sources report that the crisis is exhausting the remaining operational capacity of hospitals, placing many patients in critical condition at risk. Specifically, the shortage affects 72 intensive care units, 54 neonatal and premature infant care units, and 19 pediatric intensive care units.

Currently, only 12 out of 34 oxygen plants remain operational, and they are functioning under extreme technical strain. Furthermore, only 4 out of 30 oxygen cylinder filling machines are still in use. The Ministry has called on the international community and human rights organizations to pressure for the immediate opening of crossings to allow for the entry of life-saving maintenance equipment.