The General Directorate of Civil Defense in the Gaza Strip has issued an urgent appeal to the global community, humanitarian organizations, and international bodies, calling for concerted efforts to pressure Israeli authorities. The primary objective of this appeal is to facilitate the entry of critical automotive supplies, specifically lubricating oils, tires, and batteries, which are indispensable for the operation and maintenance of vehicles dedicated to humanitarian interventions.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Directorate highlighted that several of its humanitarian vehicles have already ceased operations due to severe shortages. These items are currently scarce in local markets, leading to a dramatic surge in prices. This inflationary trend has exacerbated the difficulties faced by Civil Defense teams, severely compromising their ability to maintain professional readiness. Consequently, the capacity to respond rapidly to emergency calls, accidents, and other incidents is significantly restricted, hindering the fulfillment of their humanitarian duties.
The organization emphasized that its professional vehicles have been operating under extremely arduous conditions for years. This prolonged service requires constant provision of operational and maintenance essentials, particularly oils, tires, batteries, and fuel. These materials are considered fundamental requirements to ensure the continuous functionality of field machinery. Without these supplies, the effectiveness of rescue operations is directly jeopardized.
Furthermore, the Directorate noted that distress signals and requests for assistance typically increase during winter seasons. This seasonal shift leads to a higher volume of humanitarian interventions, placing additional strain on already limited resources. The lack of adequate spare parts and consumables threatens the sustainability of these critical services during periods of heightened demand.
The General Directorate called upon the international community, humanitarian institutions, and relevant entities to intervene immediately. Their goal is to streamline the process of importing these essential needs into the Gaza Strip. Enabling the operation of these vehicles would empower crews to continue their life-saving missions and respond effectively to emergencies. The appeal underscores the critical link between logistical support and the ability to preserve human life in the region.
