WHO to suspend diesel supplies to Gaza hospitals due to funding shortfall

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced it will suspend diesel supplies to more than 20 hospitals and health centers in the Gaza Strip, effective September 19, due to a funding shortfall.

According to Gaza Health Ministry Director-General Munir al-Bursh, the decision impacts non-governmental medical institutions, including 12 hospitals and seven health centers. The ministry warned that the lack of fuel threatens the operation of intensive care units, operating rooms, ventilators, and oxygen stations, while also endangering patients in incubators and those requiring dialysis.

The fuel shortage is expected to paralyze ambulance services and disrupt the cold chains necessary for storing medicines and vaccines. Local medical officials noted that the suspension comes amidst an ongoing blockade and a broader deterioration of the healthcare system in the enclave.