Israel/Palestinian Territories: Fuel shortage in Gaza Strip /update 1

Event

A fuel shortage in the Gaza Strip is threatening the continued operation of health and sanitation services within the territory. According to the UN, fuel supplies used to power generators for Gaza's health and sanitation services were expected to run out within ten days as of Tuesday, February 6, unless extra funds are procured to buy extra generator fuel. Emergency power generators have stopped working at one-quarter of all hospitals and health clinics in Gaza, per reports from the Ministry of Health in Gaza. Reductions in the provision of essential health and sanitation services, among other disruptions, are expected in Gaza in the coming days and weeks unless additional funds are received.

Context

The fuel shortage is reportedly due to an ongoing political power sharing dispute between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Neighboring Israel has restricted the import of goods into Gaza, including fuel, since 2007. Residents in the Gaza Strip have access to electricity for fewer than six hours per day; power generators are needed to significantly augment power supplies in the territory to maintain critical health and sanitation services.

Additionally, US President Donald Trump recently decided to substantially cut US funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) organization, which may exacerbate current and future humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip.

Advice

Individuals are advised against travel to the Gaza Strip due to the difficulties of exiting the territory, the high risk of terrorism, the recurrent eruptions of violence between Palestinians and Israeli security forces, and the poor living conditions on the ground. Individuals in Israel are advised to avoid the area near the Gazan border due to the frequent launching of rockets from the territory.