Hospitals in Gaza are facing a dire energy crisis as power cuts continue to plague medical facilities amid persistent Israeli airstrikes. On July 11, 2026, patients like 30-year-old Omar Abu Atwa experienced the consequences firsthand at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah, where he waited for treatment in darkness.
Impact of Power Cuts on Medical Services
The ongoing conflict has severely damaged Gaza's healthcare infrastructure, with Israeli bombings since October 7, 2023, destroying 38 hospitals and 96 primary healthcare centers. As a result, approximately 90 percent of power lines have been destroyed, forcing hospitals to rely on generators for electricity.
However, a blockade has led to critical fuel shortages, limiting the generators' ability to power essential medical devices. Doctors at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital report that malfunctioning generators and inadequate fuel supplies have made it increasingly difficult to perform necessary medical procedures.
Challenges Faced by Healthcare Workers
Surgeon Omar al-Ashtal highlighted the challenges faced by medical staff due to unreliable power supplies. Operating rooms, intensive care units, and neonatal care departments are particularly affected, with interruptions potentially leading to life-threatening complications. Al-Ashtal stated, “What we are witnessing today is not only a shortage of electricity, but a cumulative crisis that includes worn-out generators, fuel shortages and a lack of spare parts needed for maintenance.”
