UN Warns Fuel and Spare Part Shortages Threaten Gaza's Critical Services

The United Nations warned on Monday that fuel shortages and restrictions on the import of engine lubricants and spare parts are placing severe strain on the energy supply that keeps critical public services running in the Gaza Strip, including water supply, desalination and healthcare.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Israeli military operations continued across Gaza over the past weekend, particularly in areas west of the temporary ceasefire line known as the "Yellow Line." The UN said the operations continue to cause civilian casualties, and stressed that civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian personnel and supplies must always be protected.

The UN children's agency, UNICEF, reported that nine children were killed in Gaza over the past week, while a pregnant woman and her unborn child were shot and killed. At least 13 other children were injured in the same period.

Meanwhile, the energy supply on which Gaza's essential services depend is under mounting pressure. Water pumping stations, desalination facilities, medical services and food distribution networks currently rely on backup generators and transport systems, the UN said. However, the entry of engine lubricants and spare parts into Gaza remains restricted, and there is a severe shortage of funds needed to purchase fuel.

Information gathered by the UN indicates that since March of this year, Israeli authorities have approved only about 13,500 litres of engine lubricant for entry into Gaza, while more than 92,000 litres remain pending approval.

"Without urgent approvals for engine oil and spare parts, people's access to safe water could worsen even further. Sewage systems could fail if pumping systems shut down and uncollected waste could build up again," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters on Monday.