A fuel crisis is forcing Gaza hospitals to reduce their services

In a statement released on Wednesday, Gaza's health ministry revealed that hospitals and medical centers have been forced to "reduce services" due to an ongoing fuel crisis in the coastal enclave.

Ashraf Al Qadra, the ministry's spokesperson said the measures had to be taken "due to lack of fuel in hospitals and medical centers," according to Middle East Monitor. 

On Monday, the ministry had warned of the possibility of delayed or canceled surgeries if no action is taken on the part of Palestinian parties and authorities.

The situation is particularly dire for kidney dialysis patients and those with severe illnesses who are now concerned over the course of their treatment, Al Jazeera reported.

Gaza’s sole power plant shut down on Sunday leaving 2 million residents with only four hours of electricity a day. This comes after the plant’s fuel, purchased with funding from Qatar and Turkey ran out. 

It still is not clear when the coastal enclave will be able to receive more fuel, mainly because of a deepening rift between the electricity authority in Gaza and Palestinian authorities in the West Bank.

According to CNN, "the power generating authority in Gaza says it cannot afford to buy more fuel for the plant -- mostly because of taxes imposed by the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian Authority claims that the Hamas officials in Gaza are simply incapable of running the plant efficiently."

As the blame game continues among various Palestinian authorities and parties, not to mention the crippling Israeli siege, people continue to suffer. 

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, released a statement on Wednesday, urging authorities in Gaza to work together with the international community to resolve the latest energy crisis.  

“All in Gaza must share the burden by paying their bills. It is the poorest Palestinians in Gaza who pay the price for exceptions and privileges that others enjoy,” he said, adding that "the social, economic and political consequences of this impending energy crisis should not be underestimated."

He also called on Israeli authorities to facilitate the entry of materials for repairs and maintenance of the power grid and plant, and noted the need to also upgrade weak Egyptian power lines, which have also contributed to the ongoing crisis.

"Darkness in Gaza, yet again."  

"Gaza is now trapped in a cycle of never ending disputes between Hamas and official authorities ... they fight among each other and innocent citizens pay the price of their failure."  

"Gaza needs electricity."  

"Gaza ... without electricity ... without life."