The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has warned that health care centers and hospitals in the Gaza Strip could face a crisis if the fuel needed to run the generators is exhausted.
Esraf Abu Mehadi, head of the International Co-operation Department affiliated to the Ministry, said at a press conference in Gaza that the fuel grants provided by the United Arab Emirates (BAE), Qatar and Islamic Development Bank in February will only be available by the first or second week of next month.
"This means that health crises may increase and some health services may come to a halt," Abu Mehadi said. said.
"At least 450 thousand liters of fuel are needed"
Ebu Mehadi pointed out that at least 450 thousand liters of gas per month is needed every month except the maintenance and administrative centers of the hospitals in Gaza Strip, he said:
"The 16-hour-a-day electricity interruptions require continuous maintenance on generators that overcome this problem, and some generators are still in operation despite the end of their use."
Ebu Mehadi said that the ministry will continue to work on saving to keep the amount of fuel as long as possible.
United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Aid Coordinator Jamie McGoldrick has been on the alert that the UN's vital institutions in Gaza can not supply fuel.
Hospitals in Gaza, which can not provide electricity between 16 and 20 hours a day, need 950 thousand liters per month and 450 thousand liters per month to operate generators. Since the beginning of the Israeli blockade in Gaza in 2006, there has been great difficulty in supplying energy. The region needs 600 megawatts of electricity, but only 210 megawatts is available.