CNN – The United Nations agency in Gaza faces the possibility of shutting down aid operations within 24 hours if fuel is not delivered, which would have devastating consequences for the civilian population. Despite some aid shipments reaching Gaza through Egypt, fuel has not been included. Israel has refused to allow fuel into Gaza since a brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, fearing it would be used for militant activities. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has warned that it can no longer function without fuel. UN officials highlight that the current aid supplies are insufficient to meet the needs of the 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, as without fuel, hospitals will lose power, clean water cannot be accessed, and aid cannot be effectively distributed.
UNRWA is currently housing approximately 600,000 people in Gaza, making it their only source of support. The agency is now faced with making difficult decisions about which life-saving aid they can provide to the population due to fuel shortages. The lack of fuel has already forced six hospitals in Gaza to close, leaving patients who rely on regular treatment vulnerable. In addition, the deteriorating health and sanitation conditions, combined with the consumption of contaminated water, pose an immediate health crisis.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a high death toll, with over 700 people killed in Gaza in a 24-hour period, including many children, women, and elderly individuals. The UN Secretary-General has called for a ceasefire, expressing concern about the violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. This has led to a backlash from Israeli officials, including a call for the Secretary-General’s resignation.
Efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are ongoing, involving the United States, Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and Hamas. Talks are complicated, but four hostages have already been freed, with hopes of securing the release of a larger group. The US has urged Israel to delay a ground incursion into Gaza to allow for more hostages to be released.
The situation remains critical, with the UN agency in Gaza on the brink of collapse without fuel, endangering the lives of civilians who rely on its aid operations. The need for immediate action to address the fuel shortages and bring about a ceasefire is crucial to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
