Power cuts cripple Gaza hospitals as Israeli attacks continue
Regular power outages in Gaza have rendered hospitals semi-functional, affecting thousands of patients and medical staff, as Israeli attacks persist.
Omar Abu Atwa, a 30-year-old driver, was walking home in central Gaza last month when an explosion shook the street. Bleeding and dazed, he was taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el-Balah. As he waited for an X-ray, the lights went out, disabling much of the medical equipment, including the machine needed to examine his hand. After a six-hour wait, he left without treatment—a recurring experience for Gaza patients.
Israel's genocide has devastated Gaza's healthcare sector. Since October 7, 2023, bombings have destroyed 38 hospitals and 96 primary healthcare centers, either completely or rendering them inoperable. About 90 percent of power lines were destroyed, forcing hospitals to rely on generators. However, the blockade has caused severe fuel shortages for generators powering ventilators, incubators, and monitoring devices. Use of non-original oils due to the blockade has led to generator malfunctions.
Since a so-called ceasefire took effect in October 2025, Israel has continued near-daily airstrikes, killing at least 1,092 people and injuring 3,507. Routine power cuts have made hospitals semi-dysfunctional. Most of Al-Aqsa's main generators failed in early May 2026, forcing reliance on secondary generators, solar energy, or reduced operations.
Surgeon Omar al-Ashtal said medical teams struggle to provide essential services due to erratic power, especially in operating rooms. Surgeons must shorten or delay critical operations, with serious consequences for patients. Intensive care, operating rooms, anesthesia, and neonatal care are hardest hit; any interruption can cause life-threatening complications.
Internet and electronic system outages hinder administrative tasks, patient data management, and communication between departments. Nurse Hamza Nawas said teams try their best, but conditions make work harder. Engineer Omar al-Ghariz noted that generators have been overloaded for months, leading to wear and technical failures. Fuel and spare part shortages force temporary fixes, but machines are failing under 24/7 strain. Urgent need exists for new generators, spare parts, and technical support.
