Power cuts plunge Gaza hospitals into darkness as Israel’s attacks persist | Energy News
Gaza Healthcare System Struggles Amid Power Crisis
Deir el-Balah, Gaza—Omar Abu Atwa, a 30-year-old driver, faced a harrowing experience last month while walking home from work in central Gaza. He was caught in an explosion that left him bloodied and confused, prompting his transfer to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for treatment.
Inside the hospital, as Abu Atwa awaited an X-ray for his injured hand, the lights abruptly cut out. This power outage rendered much of the hospital’s medical equipment inoperable, including the machine necessary for examining his wound. After a six-hour wait, he left the facility without proper treatment.
“I waited for many hours inside the hospital hoping for electricity to return and the medical devices to start working again,” said Abu Atwa. “During that time, I was in pain and anxious.”
His experience reflects a growing crisis in Gaza’s healthcare system. The ongoing conflict has severely damaged the medical infrastructure, with Israeli airstrikes since October 7 destroying or incapacitating 38 hospitals and 96 primary healthcare centers.
The destruction has left about 90% of Gaza’s power lines unusable, compelling hospitals to depend on generators. However, a blockade has created significant fuel shortages, hampering the operation of essential equipment such as ventilators and monitoring devices. The use of substandard engine oils has further impaired generator functionality.
As airstrikes continue, at least 1,092 people have been reported killed and over 3,500 injured since a ceasefire took effect in October 2025. Routine power cuts have rendered hospitals semi-dysfunctional, significantly impacting thousands of patients and medical staff.
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital’s main generators failed in early May 2026, forcing staff to rely on secondary generators and solar energy, leading to reduced operations. Surgeon Omar al-Ashtal remarked that erratic power supplies are undermining the ability of medical teams to provide essential services, particularly in operating rooms.
“What we are witnessing today is a cumulative crisis,” al-Ashtal stated. “This situation threatens the hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies and increases the suffering of patients waiting for treatment.”
Departments most affected by the power crisis include intensive care, operating rooms, anesthesia, and neonatal care. Interruptions in these areas can lead to life-threatening complications for patients, especially vulnerable newborns.
Internet and electronic system outages further hinder administrative tasks, impeding nurses and staff in managing patient data and communications.
Nurse Hamza Nawas highlighted the mounting pressures on medical teams. “We are living under daily pressure because of the electricity crisis,” he said. “We try as much as possible to continue providing care, but the current conditions make work more difficult.”
Engineer Omar al-Ghariz, a specialist at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, noted that generators have been operating beyond their capacity for months due to sustained electricity outages. This has resulted in a significant rise in technical malfunctions.
“Any sudden failure or fuel shortage could lead to the suspension of essential services,” al-Ghariz warned. He urged for immediate support, stating, “We urgently need new generators, spare parts, and technical assistance to ensure the continuity of hospital operations.”
