“If we do not get fuel urgently, we will be forced to suspend our operations in the Gaza Strip from tomorrow evening,” UNRWA said on the social network X on Tuesday.
Aid agencies have expressed concern over fuel shortages that ensure the continuity of vital services in the Gaza Strip. Hospitals need them to maintain electricity supply with generators.
“Time flies. We urgently need fuel,” UNRWA Communications Director Juliette Touma told AFP.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday that six hospitals in the Gaza Strip have already closed due to a lack of fuel.
The WHO said it delivered a limited amount of supplies to ambulances and four hospitals in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday with the help of UNRWA.
“However, this is only sufficient to keep ambulances and critical hospital functions running for just over 24 hours,” the WHO said earlier on Tuesday.
The first shipment of aid to the Gaza Strip since the start of the Oct. 7 war between Israel and the militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, arrived in the Gaza Strip over the weekend, but it did not contain fuel.
Speaking at UN headquarters, Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres warned that limited supplies were “just a drop in the ocean of aid needs”.
“Without fuel, aid cannot be delivered, hospitals will not have electricity, and drinking water cannot be purified or even pumped,” he told the Security Council.
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Interview with John Smith, UNRWA Spokesperson
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, John. UNRWA has made a critical announcement regarding the urgent need for fuel in the Gaza Strip. Can you elaborate on the situation and why fuel is so crucial?
John Smith: Thank you for having me. The situation in Gaza is dire. Our announcement reflects a pressing crisis; without urgent fuel supplies, we will have to suspend our operations as early as tomorrow evening. Fuel is essential for running generators in hospitals, which are vital for patient care. The lack of fuel could lead to catastrophic consequences for those who rely on these services.
Editor: You mentioned the potential suspension of operations. What immediate effects would that have on the population in Gaza?
John Smith: Suspending our operations would halt vital services delivered by UNRWA, including healthcare, food distribution, and sanitation efforts. With hospitals running on backup generators, any interruption in fuel supply means that surgeries could be postponed, lifesaving treatments would be unavailable, and overall public health would be severely compromised.
Editor: Has UNRWA reached out to any authorities or international bodies for assistance in securing the necessary fuel supplies?
John Smith: Yes, we are in constant communication with various governments and humanitarian organizations to seek immediate assistance. The situation requires a unified response because time is of the essence. We are appealing to all the relevant stakeholders to help us secure the fuel we desperately need.
Editor: What can the international community and ordinary citizens do to support the efforts of UNRWA in addressing this crisis?
John Smith: We call on the international community to not only provide financial assistance but to also advocate for humanitarian access and the protection of civilians in conflict zones like Gaza. Every voice matters, and support from ordinary citizens can help raise awareness and put pressure on decision-makers to prioritize humanitarian aid.
Editor: Thank you for sharing this important information, John. We hope that a solution is reached swiftly to prevent a humanitarian disaster.
John Smith: Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this critical issue.
E, and many individuals could suffer or even lose their lives. Moreover, our ability to deliver food and other essential supplies would also be severely impacted, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation.
Editor: We’ve seen reports that hospitals in Gaza have already begun closing due to a lack of fuel. Can you provide more details on the current status of healthcare facilities in the region?
John Smith: Yes, unfortunately, six hospitals have already closed their doors due to fuel shortages. These closures mean that hundreds of patients are being left without access to necessary medical care. The World Health Organization has been working to supply some fuel, but the quantities are insufficient for long-term operations. It’s a precarious situation that requires immediate international attention and intervention.
Editor: What is the international community doing to address this urgent need for fuel and other resources?
John Smith: At this moment, we are calling on the international community to respond swiftly and effectively. We need urgent shipments of fuel to ensure hospitals can operate and that aid can reach those in need. The recent shipment that arrived was a small step, but as the UN Secretary-General outlined, it’s merely “a drop in the ocean” compared to the overwhelming needs on the ground. There is a pressing need for increased humanitarian assistance and dialogue to ensure that aid reaches the people who desperately require it.
Editor: Lastly, what can individuals do to help those affected by this crisis?
John Smith: Individuals can help by raising awareness of the situation and advocating for international support to the affected areas. Donating to reputable humanitarian organizations that are on the ground can also make a significant difference. Every action counts, and collective awareness and pressure can lead to the necessary aid and support.
Editor: Thank you, John, for your insights and for shedding light on this critical issue.
John Smith: Thank you for having me, and for keeping this important topic in the spotlight.
