DaysofPal— The Ministry of Health in Gaza said on Saturday that around 70 percent of ambulance and medical transport vehicles in the territory are no longer operational, severely limiting the ability to meet daily healthcare needs.
In a press statement, the ministry said that the remaining vehicles are in poor condition and insufficient to handle the growing demand for patient transport and medical services.
It attributed the collapse of the fleet to direct Israeli targeting, accumulated mechanical failures, and a critical shortage of spare parts.
Officials warned of serious difficulties in providing transportation for both patients and healthcare workers, citing the lack of safe and reliable alternatives.
The ministry also cautioned that continued Israeli restrictions on the entry of tires and spare parts could lead to a complete breakdown of the transport system in Gaza.
It added that buses operated by private companies contracted with the ministry are functioning under severe technical and mechanical strain, as routine maintenance has been largely suspended for months due to the unavailability of replacement parts.
Health authorities warned that any further disruption to transport services could significantly affect the ability of patients and medical staff to reach healthcare facilities across the Gaza Strip.
The transport crisis has worsened amid ongoing Israeli restrictions on the entry of essential supplies, combined with sharp increases in fuel and oil prices.
These factors have directly impacted ambulance operations and civilian mobility, raising concerns about an imminent paralysis of the transportation system.
Gaza has been facing a severe shortage of fuel and spare parts since the escalation of the conflict in October 2023, with Israeli border closures and supply restrictions leading to a significant decline in essential services, particularly in the healthcare and transportation sectors.
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