UN Official Warns Gaza Has Only Days of Fuel Left as Aid Crisis Deepens Fast

Fuel and essential supplies in Gaza could run critically low within days if border crossings remain closed, according to aid officials working in the enclave. Karuna Herrmann, Jerusalem director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, which manages fuel distribution in Gaza, warned that current reserves may last only a short period. “I expect we have maybe a couple of days’ running time,” Herrmann said, highlighting the fragile state of humanitarian logistics in the territory.

Amjad Al-Shawa, a Palestinian aid leader coordinating with UN agencies and non-governmental organisations, offered a similar assessment. He estimated that available fuel supplies could last three to four days, while stocks of vegetables, flour and other basic commodities were also at risk of depletion if crossings remain shut. Reuters reported that it was unable to independently verify these estimates, underscoring the difficulty of obtaining real-time data from inside the enclave.

In response, Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, known as COGAT, said sufficient food had been delivered to Gaza since the start of an October truce. The agency stated that existing stockpiles were expected to suffice for an extended period but did not provide detailed figures. COGAT declined to comment specifically on concerns regarding potential fuel shortages, which aid groups say are critical to powering hospitals, water systems and humanitarian operations.

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The truce referenced by Israeli authorities forms part of a broader US-backed initiative aimed at ending the conflict and stabilising conditions in Gaza. The plan includes reopening the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, expanding the flow of humanitarian assistance into the territory, and laying groundwork for reconstruction. However, intermittent closures and security concerns have complicated the consistent delivery of aid.

For many residents, the uncertainty surrounding supplies has revived memories of last year’s severe shortages. Hamada Abu Laila, a displaced Palestinian in Gaza, said the current restrictions were fuelling fears of a return to famine-like conditions that affected parts of the enclave after Israel halted aid deliveries for 11 weeks. “Why is it our fault, in Gaza, with regional wars between Israel, Iran, and America? It is not our fault,” he said, expressing frustration over the broader geopolitical tensions impacting civilians.

Humanitarian agencies continue to call for sustained access to ensure adequate food, fuel and medical supplies reach the population. While Israeli officials maintain that sufficient aid has entered Gaza since the truce began, relief groups warn that any prolonged disruption could quickly erode existing stocks. The situation remains fluid, with international mediators closely monitoring developments as efforts to solidify the ceasefire and stabilise humanitarian access continue.

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