MSF: Israeli Restrictions on Engine Oil and Spare Parts Threaten Palestinian Lives

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that continued Israeli restrictions on the entry of engine oil and spare parts into Gaza increase the risk of death and serious illness for thousands of Palestinians. The organization stressed that these supplies are vital for operating hospital generators, ambulances, and water pumps, and warned of disruption to essential services. It noted that the price of a liter of oil has risen to about 800 shekels ($245) and there is a severe shortage of spare parts.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warned that Israeli authorities continue to restrict the entry of engine oil and spare parts into the Gaza Strip, stating that these restrictions increase the risk of death and serious illness for thousands of Palestinians. The organization said these vital supplies are essential to ensure the continued operation of hospital generators, ambulances, water pumps, and water tanker trucks, warning that their shortage threatens to disrupt essential services that residents directly depend on. It added that restricting these materials comes in the context of what it described as "systematic destruction of the conditions necessary for life" in the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and undermining the ability of health facilities and essential services to continue functioning. Since the start of the war on the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, Israeli authorities have imposed strict restrictions on the entry of many goods and materials, including industrial engine oils and spare parts, which has affected vital sectors including water, sanitation, bakeries, transportation, and small projects, in addition to securing electricity and lighting for homes. It is noted that the acute shortage of engine oils and their unavailability in markets has led to the price of a liter rising to about 800 shekels ($245) currently, according to the data provided. Markets also suffer from a severe shortage of spare parts, prompting project and workshop owners to resort to buying broken machines and equipment and dismantling them to obtain usable parts for repairing their equipment, in an attempt to keep their businesses running amid restrictions on the entry of essential supplies. MSF warned that the continuation of these restrictions threatens to deepen the humanitarian crisis in the Strip and makes it more difficult to maintain health services, water services, and emergency response.