Beyond Food: Why Gaza Desperately Needs Fuel and Hygiene Products Amid Ongoing Israeli Blockade

The food distribution program in Gaza, supported by the U.S. and Israel, claims to have delivered over 5 million meals since it started on May 27. However, this initiative, run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), does not solve the pressing issues the territory faces. Hospitals are struggling without fuel, as many have reported their operations would come to a halt without it.

In early March, Israel reinstated a full blockade on Gaza, cutting off vital supplies during a period of relative peace. This decision halted access to food, water, and necessary hygiene products, all of which the humanitarian community deems essential for survival. Just two weeks later, Israel resumed military operations, resulting in over 400 Palestinian deaths in a single day.

After weeks of international concern about the looming humanitarian crisis, the White House urged Israel to reopen aid routes in mid-May. Soon after, a partial lifting of restrictions allowed for some humanitarian aid to enter, but this is far from enough. Experts suggest Gaza needs at least 500 trucks of supplies daily, but reports indicate that only a fraction has been allowed in since the resumption of aid.

The GHF’s operations remain controversial. Established under pressure from the U.S. and Israel, it functions outside the established UN framework, which has years of experience in the region. Critics argue this initiative limits access to UN resources, effectively positioning GHF as a sole distributor of aid, even though the food it provides lacks essential items like baby food, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

In addition, GHF does not address critical needs such as hygiene products. With the Israeli blockade thwarting supply chains for months, Gazans face severe shortages of clean water and basic sanitation. The UN has reported that 90% of the population lacks access to treated water. Families are making tough decisions about how to allocate limited water supplies, as they scramble to meet basic needs.

Health officials like Dr. Bassam Zakut have raised alarms about the dire situation in hospitals. With fuel reserves dwindling, ambulances remain stranded, and critical medical services are compromised. “Without fuel, we can’t do anything,” he emphasizes, highlighting the real-life impact of the blockade on health services.

The lack of hygiene products, particularly menstrual supplies, creates another layer of distress for women and girls in Gaza. The UN has highlighted that over 700,000 women are facing a “silent menstrual emergency.” Many have resorted to using unsafe alternatives, which raises serious health concerns.

The ongoing conflict has forced over two million Gazans into crowded shelters, where access to sanitation is severely limited. Women often find themselves in unsafe conditions without privacy or proper facilities. This situation compounds the trauma many are already facing due to the violence and instability in the region.

As the situation continues to unfold, the resilience of Gazans is being tested. The intersection of limited resources, ongoing military actions, and inadequate humanitarian responses paints a troubling picture of life in Gaza today.

For further insights on humanitarian conditions in Gaza, refer to reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).



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