Qatar announced the signing of an agreement with the United Nations to bring approximately 1.3 million liters of fuel into the Gaza Strip, in a grant aimed at ensuring the continued operation of hospitals, health centers, and vital humanitarian services.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Thursday that the grant comes as a complement to the urgent response to humanitarian needs and basic services in the sector, in light of the continuing difficult humanitarian conditions.
She added that Qatar provided approximately 30 million liters of fuel to Gaza during the period from October 7, 2023 until the end of March 2026.
The ministry explained that the new grant aims to support the continuity of vital services and humanitarian operations, and to enhance the ability of humanitarian actors to continue providing services to the population.
She noted that the fuel will contribute to the continued operation of a number of hospitals and health centers, and that the health services that depend on it benefit about 2.1 million Palestinians, including children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities, as well as other vital sectors and services.
Widespread reliance on generators
The grant is particularly important given the widespread reliance of basic services in Gaza on generators, due to the near-total lack of stable electricity supplies.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a report issued on September 11 that backup generators power vital facilities including hospitals, primary healthcare centers, blood banks, field hospitals, water wells, desalination plants and sewage pumping stations.
The United Nations warned that restrictions on the entry of engine oils and spare parts, along with a lack of funding for fuel, are making energy supplies for essential services “extremely fragile”.
According to data from UN Mechanism 2720, since last March, Israeli authorities have approved the entry of approximately 13,445 liters of engine oil into Gaza, while more than 92,778 liters remained pending approval until early September.
These oils are used to maintain generators, vehicles and equipment needed to operate hospitals, water and sanitation facilities, transport aid and remove waste and debris.
The United Nations also reported that 91 percent of the households assessed in Gaza suffer from moderate to high levels of water insecurity, amid ongoing difficulties in operating water, desalination and sanitation networks.
Since the closure of the Zikim crossing in the northern Gaza Strip on May 24, the Kerem Abu Salem crossing has remained the only operational entry point for goods into Gaza, according to the United Nations, which notes that restrictions continue to be imposed on the entry of a number of vital materials and equipment.
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