ACTIONAID: GAZA’S HOSPITALS ARE AT RISK AS FUEL RUNS OUT

RAMALLAH, Oct 24 (Bernama-WAFA) -- ActionAid Palestine today appealed to the international community, calling for immediate action to deliver essential fuel aid to Gaza as hospitals are on the brink of running out of power, putting at risk the lives of patients, including infants and the elderly.

“The United Nations has said that the lives of at least 120 newborn babies in incubators, 70 of which are on mechanical ventilation, in Gaza’s hospitals are at risk as fuel runs out. Without this critical support, these babies will die,” Palestinian news agency (WAFA) reported ActionAid said in a statement.

Gaza's hospitals usually serve 1,100 patients with kidney failure, including 38 children, with 13,000 dialysis sessions every month. The Shifa Hospital, the largest in the Gaza Strip, is treating over 5,000 patients, significantly over its capacity of 700 patients and is hosting over 45,000 internally displaced persons.

“This is entirely avoidable,” said ActionAid. “We stand at a critical juncture, where immediate action can make the difference between life and death for thousands of civilians in Gaza. The situation is dire, and the time for action is now.

“We implore individuals, governments, and organisations worldwide to come together and act decisively to address the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza – this is about our collective humanity.”

The humanitarian organisation asked all governments and the international community “to do everything in their power to bring about an immediate ceasefire, reverse the evacuation order in Gaza, guarantee the full protection and safety of civilians, and ensure lifesaving humanitarian assistance now’, it added.

-- BERNAMA-WAFA