Gaza’s Ministry of Health has warned that the territory’s emergency medical transport system is nearing collapse, with around 70% of ambulances and medical transport vehicles now out of service amid ongoing Israeli restrictions on the entry of essential supplies.
In a statement, the ministry said the continued blockade on tires, batteries, fuel, and critical spare parts has severely disrupted ambulance operations, limiting the ability of medical teams to transport wounded civilians, patients, and healthcare workers to hospitals.
According to the ministry, 39 of its 82 ambulances have been permanently disabled, while 17 additional ambulances require urgent repairs, leaving emergency crews struggling to meet growing medical needs during the humanitarian crisis.
Despite the shortages, health authorities said medical teams continue to carry out approximately 5,000 transport missions every week, alongside hundreds of deliveries of medicines and other essential medical supplies. However, officials warned that the remaining fleet is aging, heavily damaged, and insufficient to cope with the increasing demand.
The ministry also reported that around 100 medical transport vehicles are currently out of operation, including 30 that are beyond repair, while dozens more require immediate maintenance. Officials said rising fuel costs and restrictions on the entry of replacement parts have further crippled emergency response efforts.
Describing the situation as critical, the ministry urged the United Nations, humanitarian organizations, and the international community to press for the immediate entry of maintenance supplies and at least 60 new ambulances.
