"Health Ministry": Oxygen station breakdown threatens lives of dozens of patients and children in Gaza
Gaza's Health Ministry warned that most oxygen stations have stopped working due to a ban on importing spare parts, threatening the lives of dozens of patients and children. It noted that 72 intensive care units, 54 neonatal units, and 19 pediatric units are at risk, and called for the urgent opening of crossings.
Gaza's Health Ministry warned on Monday, August 17, 2026, of the repercussions of the crisis of oxygen generation stations breaking down and most of them stopping, amid a ban on importing spare parts and technical equipment needed for their maintenance. In a statement, the ministry said the crisis threatens the remaining operational capacities of hospitals and puts the lives of dozens of patients and children in sensitive, life-saving departments at direct risk. It explained that 72 intensive care units face the risk of shutdown and paralysis of services due to the severe shortage of oxygen supplies, while 54 neonatal units face a threat to the lives of newborns in incubators due to the difficulty of maintaining necessary oxygen levels. It added that 19 pediatric intensive care units are suffering from a decline in the ability to provide necessary respiratory care for acute and chronic cases, noting that most oxygen production stations have become out of service. The ministry pointed out that the remaining stations are operating beyond their maximum capacity, under complex mechanical conditions, increasing the danger of them stopping and worsening the health crisis in the sector. It called for an urgent and direct opening of crossings and allowing the entry of maintenance parts and necessary technical equipment, warning that the continuation of the crisis threatens a comprehensive health catastrophe in the Gaza Strip.