Gaza authority warns of catastrophic impact as Israel halts cooking gas supplies

The General Petroleum Authority in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday warned of serious and potentially catastrophic consequences following the continued suspension of cooking gas supplies to the territory, saying the move would have humanitarian, economic and social impacts on more than two million residents.

In a statement, the authority said Gaza had already been facing a severe shortage of cooking gas, estimated at around 70 per cent of actual needs compared with the quantities allowed in since the ceasefire began. It said the shortfall had deepened the suffering of the population.

She stated that with the complete halt of supply, we are facing an imminent disaster that threatens food and health security and disrupts many humanitarian services, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

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The authority said preventing the entry of gas amounted to a clear violation of the truce agreement and would further increase humanitarian pressures at a time when relief measures, not restrictions, were expected.

It called on all relevant international and humanitarian bodies, as well as mediators, to intervene urgently and press Israel to reopen supply channels and ensure the immediate and regular flow of cooking gas to prevent a collapse in living conditions.

The authority warned that the continuation of the current situation could lead to severe consequences that would be difficult to contain, and urged swift and responsible action before it is too late.

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