Gaza, 26 October 2023 (TDI): The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has issued a warning, stating that they will need to cease operations in Gaza by Wednesday night unless fuel is delivered.
This signifies the conclusion of a crucial support system for civilians.
Despite aid deliveries from Egypt containing food, water, and medicine, Israel’s refusal to allow fuel into Gaza since the October 7 attack by Hamas has severely impacted UNRWA’s operations.
Gaza: @UNRWA is warning that without an immediate fuel delivery, its operations may be forced to shut down tonight.
More on the life-saving humanitarian response: https://t.co/WSKuu8Osv3 pic.twitter.com/VUOpXOE0Kn
— United Nations (@UN) October 25, 2023
If fuel runs out by tonight or tomorrow, UNRWA, the largest UN agency in Gaza, will be forced to cease its activities. Initially, the organization had stated that operations might have to stop by Wednesday.
United Nations representatives cautioned that the existing supplies were insufficient to meet the needs of the 2 million Palestinians residing in Gaza, emphasizing that without the necessary fuel to collect and distribute aid, these provisions would be virtually useless.
“If we don't have fuel,📍#Gaza will collapse. The people of #Gaza will collapse, and the largest humanitarian operation which is run by @UNRWA will come to a halt”@JulietteTouma tells @TIME how humanitarian efforts on the ground "will collapse" ⬇️https://t.co/A2jRtHt8UW
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) October 25, 2023
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed to the UN Security Council on Tuesday that without fuel, aid delivery would be impossible, hospitals would lose power, and the purification and pumping of drinking water would be compromised.
Doctors working in hospitals already stretched to their limits have repeatedly warned that without fuel, critically injured patients from daily bombings and infants relying on oxygen supplies will not survive.
Also read: Fuel shortage threatens humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza
The worsening health conditions, inadequate sanitation facilities, and the consumption of contaminated, saline water in Gaza have sparked concerns about an impending health crisis.
There are fears that people might succumb to dehydration as the water system collapses while continuous bombings persist.
On Tuesday, out of the planned 20 aid trucks meant to enter Gaza, only eight managed to make the journey, according to UNRWA. The organization did not provide a specific reason for the failure of the other 12 trucks to pass through the Rafah crossing.
🔺One @UNRWA school in Rafah, sheltering 4,600 people, sustained severe collateral damage from close proximity strike
🔺If fuel does not enter📍#Gaza, @UNRWA will be forced to significantly reduce and in some cases bring humanitarian operations to a halthttps://t.co/SKLHjw7PfH pic.twitter.com/10LIjXZhb4
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) October 25, 2023
The World Health Organization revealed that in the past two weeks of the Israeli siege, six hospitals in Gaza had to shut down due to a lack of fuel.
According to the WHO, “1,000 dialysis patients” and “130 premature babies,” along with other vulnerable patients who depend on a steady and uninterrupted electricity supply to survive, are among those at severe risk.
Mohammad Rizwan Ali is a dedicated final-year student pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from NUML, Islamabad. In addition to his studies, he actively contributes to the field as a content writer and contributor at The Diplomatic Insight, showcasing his insightful perspectives on diplomacy, peace, and conflict resolution.
