Gaza oxygen crisis worsens as 22 stations cease operations

At least 22 of 34 oxygen stations in the Gaza Strip have been forced to cease operations, according to a warning from the Palestinian Health Ministry on Saturday. The ministry stated that the remaining facilities are also at risk of shutting down due to the Israeli blockade and a severe shortage of spare parts. In a statement, the ministry said the 12 stations still operating are working under “highly complex technical and mechanical conditions,” making it increasingly difficult to meet oxygen needs for health facilities and medical service providers. The ministry added that the operational capacity of these stations has been “completely depleted” and they are operating beyond maximum limits amid frequent breakdowns. Only four of 30 oxygen cylinder filling devices are still functioning, the ministry said, warning that these devices “could stop at any time” because technical teams are unable to carry out emergency maintenance. “The availability of oxygen is not a medical luxury; it is a lifeline for many vital departments that save lives,” the ministry stressed. The ministry warned that the remaining stations face the threat of “total paralysis,” endangering oxygen supplies for hospitals and patients receiving treatment at home. It called for the “direct and immediate opening of crossings” to bring in spare parts and technical equipment needed to repair the stations, as well as the urgent delivery of new oxygen stations. The warning came after Doctors Without Borders stated on 12 August that Israeli authorities continue to restrict the entry of engine oil and spare parts needed to operate hospital generators, ambulances and other vital facilities, endangering thousands of lives. In its latest report on Friday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the Kerem Shalom crossing remains the only operational entry point for goods into Gaza, while restrictions are still imposed on a number of essential supplies and equipment. The latest World Health Organization (WHO) data, published on 11 August and covering the period up to 31 July, also shows major gaps in the availability of health resources and services across medical facilities in Gaza. A ceasefire has been in effect in Gaza since 10 October 2025, following the Israeli war that caused widespread destruction to the health system and infrastructure of the territory.