The Significance of Fuel in Resource-Deprived Gaza: Here's Why

Fuel is essential for over 2 million individuals in Gaza who are currently facing critical shortages of basic necessities and healthcare. Hospitals, water systems, bakeries, and relief operations in the region have been severely impacted by the lack of fuel, prompting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to issue a warning that the aid convoy system in Gaza will fail if Israel persists in prohibiting fuel. Faced with the possibility of vital infrastructure collapsing without fuel, thousands of desperate Palestinians resorted to breaking into UNRWA warehouses for supplies on Saturday.

The enclave has been deprived of fuel deliveries for nearly three weeks after the Israeli government imposed a "complete siege" on October 9. This decision was made in response to a deadly Hamas attack that caused the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis. As a result, almost all fuel supplies have been depleted, leading UN officials to issue warnings about the imminent collapse of hospitals. The lack of fuel prevents the use of backup generators, hindering the ability to provide essential medical treatment to the population.

On Monday morning, a total of 118 aid trucks carrying essential provisions such as food, water, and medical supplies successfully crossed into Gaza via the Rafah crossing point. Israel initially permitted a limited number of trucks to enter on October 21; however, they have refrained from allowing the transport of fuel due to concerns that Hamas might employ it for weaponization purposes. According to CNN, the Israeli military contends that Hamas possesses fuel reserves within Gaza which it is withholding from distribution for humanitarian reasons.

The primary UN agency in Gaza has announced that it will be forced to cease operations once fuel supplies are depleted, projected to occur on October 25. Despite implementing strict rationing measures, certain operations have been able to continue.

Access to food and clean water in Gaza heavily relies on electricity and fuel, as the region lacks the capacity to produce them.

Over 2 million individuals in the strip face the danger of acquiring waterborne illnesses as they consume salty and contaminated water from agricultural wells. Officials have stated that bakeries supported by the World Food Programme are unable to function due to damage from airstrikes and a lack of electricity.

On October 22, the UNRWA successfully organized the retrieval of fuel from a storage facility in Gaza. This fuel was then distributed to shelters and hospitals, allowing desalination plants in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah to operate at 30% of their capacity. However, this supply is anticipated to deplete in the near future.

As of October 29, UNRWA officials state that approximately 940 missing children, who may be trapped under collapsed buildings, cannot be reached due to a shortage of fuel for rescue vehicles.

According to the World Health Organization, the lack of fuel has resulted in the closure of six hospitals, with others shutting down due to damage from airstrikes. Remaining operational hospitals are now having to ration care.

Gazas long energy shortage

Gazas fuel crisis affects its ability to generate power, which was already inadequate before the siege.

Gaza primarily relies on two main sources for electricity: its only power plant located in Deir al-Balah and power lines connected to Israel. These Israeli lines amount to approximately two-thirds of Gaza's power supply. However, the power plant ceased operations due to fuel depletion two weeks ago, forcing the country to rely solely on generators for electricity. Furthermore, all electricity supply from Israel was severed following the Hamas attack on October 7.

Under Israeli blockade since 2007, the enclave spanning 140 square miles heavily relies on imported fuel and electricity to sustain its various services.

A significant portion of Gaza's fuel imports is dedicated to powering its vital power plant, with Qatar's support in funding since late 2018. Qatar has substantially increased the fuel supply, from 30 million liters in 2018 to an annual volume exceeding 130 million liters until 2022.

Due to the lack of additional fuel supplies, the ongoing shortages in Gaza are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Hospitals and relief workers are forced to make difficult decisions regarding the allocation of their depleting reserves.