(excerpt)
Our humanitarian colleagues report that funding for the United Nations‑assisted emergency fuel programme for back-up generators in Gaza has been exhausted. As a result, only two thirds of the regular 950,000 litres of fuel will be distributed to 231 critical health, and water sanitation and hygiene facilities in August. In the absence of new funding, emergency fuel distributions will end by mid-August. Some $4.5 million is urgently needed for the operation to continue. The lack of emergency fuel will severely affect the provision of basic services to 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, including more than 2,000 patients in hospitals relying on electrical devices. Overall, some 1.27 million people will be directly affected by the closure of the hospitals and reduction in provision of vital health interventions. Additionally, the reduced functioning of water and sanitation facilities risks an increase of waterborne diseases and outbreaks.