GAZA — The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) urgently called for immediate fuel deliveries to the Gaza Strip on Saturday, warning that a shutdown of essential services is imminent amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign.

Without prompt shipments of fuel, UNRWA cautioned, Gaza faces a complete collapse of critical lifeline services such as hospital generators, ambulances, bakeries, and water pumping stations, which would exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation and amount to collective punishment of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents.

Gaza’s Health Ministry echoed the warning, stating that power generators are nearing shutdown due to severe fuel shortages, threatening the operation of the remaining hospitals and healthcare facilities.

The ministry renewed its urgent appeal for international pressure on Israel to allow the necessary fuel to sustain lifesaving medical equipment.

The crisis deepened earlier this week when Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical center, announced the suspension of dialysis services due to lack of fuel.

Since March 2, Israel has maintained a strict blockade, closing crossings to food, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid, worsening famine-like conditions and increasing suffering across the enclave.

Despite global calls for a ceasefire, Israeli military operations have continued unabated, resulting in the deaths of over 57,200 Palestinians, most of them women and children, since October 2023.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the conflict in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave. — Agencies