Critical public services under strain due to fuel shortage in Gaza: UN

Restrictions on the import of engine lubricants and spare parts, coupled with fuel shortages, are placing immense strain on the energy supply for critical public services in Gaza Strip, including water supply, desalination, and healthcare, the United Nations warned on Monday.

The UN said that the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza continue to result in civilian casualties.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that over the past weekend, Israeli military operations continued across the Gaza Strip, particularly in areas west of the temporary ceasefire line, the so-called "Yellow Line."

The UN emphasized that civilians, civilian infrastructure, humanitarian personnel, and supplies must always be protected.

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reported that over the past week, nine children were killed in Gaza, and a pregnant woman and her unborn child were shot and killed. In addition, at least 13 children were injured in the conflict.

Meanwhile, the energy supply on which Gaza's critical public services depend is facing mounting pressure.

The UN said that water pumping stations, desalination facilities, medical services, and food distribution currently rely on backup generators and transportation systems. However, the entry of engine lubricants and spare parts into Gaza is restricted, and there is a severe shortage of funds needed to purchase fuel.

According to information gathered by the UN, since March of this year, Israeli authorities have approved only about 13,500 liters of engine lubricant to enter Gaza, while more than 92,000 liters are pending approval.

"Without urgent approvals for engine oil and spare parts, people's access to safe water could worsen even further. Sewage systems could fail if pumping systems shut down and uncollected waste could build up again," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters on Monday.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called on the 10 European Union (EU) member states yet to ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to approve the pact.

During an interview on Monday, he said deeper Canada-EU economic links would boost resilience, autonomy and prosperity for all sides.

Canada and the EU signed CETA in Brussels, Belgium, in October 2016. Some parts of the agreement have been under provisional application since 2017, while full ratification hinges on parliamentary approval by all EU member states.

Among the EU's 27 member states, 10 have still not ratified the pact. Their main concern is that agricultural exports from Canada would hurt local European farmers.