Palestinian Health Ministry: Oxygen station shutdowns threaten lives of dozens of patients, children

The Palestinian Health Ministry issued an urgent warning on Monday over the worsening crisis affecting oxygen generation stations in hospitals across the Gaza Strip, saying most have stopped operating because of the ongoing Israeli blockade, which has prevented the entry of equipment and spare parts needed for maintenance.

In a press statement, the ministry said the crisis now threatens the remaining operational capacity of hospitals and places the lives of dozens of patients and children in critical, life-saving departments under an unprecedented direct threat.

The ministry said 72 intensive care units could face a complete shutdown and paralysis of services due to the severe and continuing shortage of oxygen supplies. It added that 54 neonatal incubator units are facing a direct risk to newborns’ lives because of difficulties in maintaining the oxygen levels required for breathing.

According to the statement, 19 specialised paediatric care units are also suffering a sharp decline in their ability to provide essential respiratory care for acute and chronic cases, while most oxygen production stations have already gone out of service.

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