GAZA, February 16, 2025 (WAFA) – Hospitals across the Gaza Strip are facing a critical shortage of oxygen after Israeli forces burned and destroyed central oxygen generation stations, according to local health authorities. 

The destruction has particularly impacted major medical facilities, including Al-Shifa Medical Complex, Al-Rantisi Hospital, Al-Durra Hospital, the Indonesian Hospital, Al-Nasr Medical Complex, and the Sheikh Radwan Clinic, according to the same sources.

In addition, the sources reported, ten destroyed stations were essential for supplying oxygen to critical hospital units such as operating rooms, intensive care units, emergency wards, and neonatal incubators. They also provided oxygen for patients receiving home care.

The situation is expected to worsen as Israeli authorities continue to block the entry of new oxygen stations into the Strip, posing a dire threat to patients' lives.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has waged a devastating war on Gaza, resulting in the killing of 48,271 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children, and injuring 111,693 others, according to the latest figures. 

The toll is expected to rise as many victims remain trapped under the rubble, with rescue teams unable to reach them due to ongoing hostilities.

In addition to the staggering human losses, the war has led to the near-total destruction of Gaza's health and education systems, homes, infrastructure, and medical facilities, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis amid severe shortages of medicines and medical equipment.

M.N