Lack of Fuel Creates Risks for Gaza People, OCHA Says

United Nations, MINA — The UN relief wing said Tuesday that emergency fuel for a number of critical health, water and sanitation facilities in Gaza has almost run out of stock, creating enormous risks for the people there.

These facilities depend on emergency fuel to power back-up generators that are required due to Gaza`s energy crisis, which leaves the population with no more than four hours of electricity every day, Xinhua reported, citng the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The UN`s humanitarian partners estimate that at least 60,000 litres of emergency fuel should be swiftly delivered to 47 critical health and water sanitation and hygiene facilities across Gaza to ensure minimum service provision over the coming four days.

The immediate lack of fuel is due to Israeli restrictions on fuel imports into Gaza. These restrictions were imposed last week in response to continued launches of incendiary kites from Gaza into Israel, which have caused extensive property damage.

The restrictions also apply to UN-procured emergency fuel for Gaza. By mid-August, funding for UN-supported emergency fuel programs will run out.

To avoid a major crisis, restrictions on the entry of fuel need to be lifted, and donors are urged to provide 4.5 million dollars to cover emergency fuel support in Gaza through the end of this year, OCHA said. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)