Gaza Civil Defense halts body recovery due to fuel shortages, cites Israeli blockade violations

Gaza’s Civil Defense announced on Tuesday it has stopped recovering the bodies of Palestinians killed during Israel’s two-year military offensive due to severe fuel shortages caused by the Israeli blockade. In a statement, the agency said its vehicles are no longer operational after fuel stocks dropped below the minimum required for humanitarian work, forcing crews to halt body retrieval operations and rendering them unable to respond to emergency calls amid ongoing bad weather.

Ceasefire Violations and Blockade Impact

The suspension underscores Israel’s continued failure to comply with the humanitarian provisions of the October 10 ceasefire agreement, which includes allowing fuel, aid, and rubble-removal equipment into Gaza. Although the ceasefire entered its second phase in January, Israel maintains tight control over the Rafah crossing—which it seized in May—permitting only minimal amounts of fuel and aid. Even after the crossing’s limited reopening on Monday, Palestinians reported mistreatment and harassment during transit.

Appeal for International Intervention

Gaza’s Civil Defense called on international institutions and humanitarian organizations to urgently provide fuel so emergency vehicles and equipment can resume life-saving services. The agency warned that without immediate intervention, the already catastrophic humanitarian situation will further deteriorate.

War Toll and Destruction

Israel’s US-backed military campaign, which began in October 2023, has killed approximately 72,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—injured over 171,000, and destroyed about 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure.