The key facts

  • Gaza Health Ministry: fuel for hospital generators has run out, more than 2,500 liters are needed monthly
  • In September it was reported that 70% of generators had already failed due to the blockade
  • Gaza Ministry of Social Development: most bakeries have shut down due to restrictions on flour imports

Fuel for hospital generators exhausted

The Gaza Health Ministry warned on Thursday that hospital power generators may shut down: supplies of operational fuel have been completely exhausted amid the ongoing Israeli blockade of the enclave. The ministry's statement said engineering teams are working in difficult conditions, monitoring the generators and maintaining electricity supply to critical hospital departments.

Risk of irreversible breakdown

'The generators have been running for thousands of consecutive hours without sufficient fuel and maintenance, pushed to the limit of mechanical danger,' the ministry said. According to it, if the engines fail due to lack of oil, they may become permanently unusable even if supplies resume later. The ministry called for urgent intervention, stressing that the issue is no longer only about fuel but also about protecting the remaining generators from complete failure.

Scale of the problem

As early as Wednesday, the health ministry said fuel supplies for generators had run out and that more than 2,500 liters (660 gallons) are needed monthly to keep the remaining generators from breaking down — against the backdrop of Israeli restrictions on the entry of operational materials and spare parts. The ministry warned that the shortage threatens the shutdown of life-saving departments. In September it was reported that 70% of hospital generators had already failed due to the shortage of fuel, oil and spare parts caused by the blockade.

Context of the energy crisis

Gaza's hospitals have been heavily dependent on generators since October 2023, when Israel cut off electricity to the enclave, powering operating rooms, intensive care units, neonatal incubators, ventilators and hemodialysis machines. Gaza's only power plant stopped on October 11, 2023 after fuel ran out, leading to a complete blackout; power lines and distribution networks suffered massive destruction during the war. Damage to the grid prevents hospitals from connecting to the power system. The electricity crisis continues despite the ceasefire agreement in effect since October 10, 2025, amid ongoing Israeli restrictions on supplies needed to restore the health system.

Bakery shutdown

The Gaza Ministry of Social Development also warned on Thursday of 'catastrophic humanitarian consequences' for displaced Palestinians after most bakeries shut down due to Israeli restrictions on the entry of flour and essential items. 'The continuation of restrictions on flour and materials for bakery operations means prolonging the policy of systematic starvation and using food as a weapon against civilians,' the ministry said, adding that the restrictions are causing 'the collapse of the last line of food defense' for vulnerable families, children and women who depend on humanitarian aid. The ministry linked the bakery shutdown to Israel's delay of flour deliveries and called these measures a violation of international humanitarian law and the Fourth Geneva Convention.