Gaza Electricity Crisis Leads to Food and Medicine Spoilage

A severe electricity crisis and scorching summer heat are forcing residents of Gaza to struggle with the preservation of essential food and medicine. The Cabinet of Israel maintains a siege and embargo on the territory, which has crippled the energy infrastructure and left displaced families in Gaza City and surrounding camps unable to use refrigerators.

This lack of cooling has led to rapid food spoilage and an increased risk of food-borne illnesses. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs estimates that only 1 million litres of diesel entered Gaza in early June 2026, a volume they describe as insufficient to maintain essential services. The crisis specifically threatens individuals with chronic health conditions who rely on refrigerated medication for survival.

In response to the shortage, a wartime survival economy has emerged. Some displaced individuals, including those from Beit Hanoon, are using diesel generators to sell chilled water, drinks, and phone charging services at high costs to other residents. In neighborhoods like Zeitoun, some families have been forced to repurpose their refrigerators into cupboards.