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The Civil Defence in the Gaza Strip has raised alarm over the ongoing Israeli blockade preventing the entry of fuel supplies necessary for operating rescue and firefighting vehicles, warning of mounting humanitarian consequences.In a statement Sunday, Director of Humanitarian Support and International Relations at the Civil Defence, Mohammed al-Mughair, said that the continued denial of fuel supplies will severely impact the agency’s capacity to respond to emergencies and could result in further loss of lives across the besieged enclave.Al-Mughair warned of a sharp decline in Civil Defence services if the fuel shortage persists, and urged all concerned parties and international actors to intervene immediately and press Israel to allow the entry of fuel destined for humanitarian institutions operating in Gaza.The Civil Defence has been appealing for months to secure fuel for its operations. On August 20, it reported receiving only 10% of its monthly fuel needs since the beginning of that month.The crisis has been further exacerbated by Israel's closure of border crossings on March 2, effectively halting the flow of humanitarian aid, relief supplies, and fuel into the territory. Only limited fuel quantities have been allowed via international organisations, falling far short of Gaza’s minimum humanitarian requirements.This continued restriction, the Civil Defence warns, is not only hindering lifesaving operations but also pushing Gaza’s fragile emergency response infrastructure to the brink of collapse.

At least ten vessels of the "Global Sumud Flotilla", which seeks to break the blockade on the Gaza Strip, came under repeated drone attacks in the Mediterranean Sea, organizers said.Explosions were reported and communications on board were severely disrupted, though no casualties have been confirmed so far.Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, said seven drone attacks struck the flotilla after about 15 aircraft flew overhead, stressing the urgent need for international protection.The flotilla's organizing committee said unidentified objects were dropped on ten boats, causing material damage, while 13 explosions were recorded nearby.It accused Israel of conducting a media disinformation campaign to justify potential military action against the humanitarian convoy, warning that targeting it would amount to a war crime and a flagrant violation of international law.The Global Sumud Flotilla comprises humanitarian workers, doctors, artists, and activists from 44 countries. It departed Tunisia earlier this month after several delays, with the aim of establishing a humanitarian corridor and breaking the blockade imposed on Gaza for more than 23 months. Israel previously intercepted similar sea-borne attempts to reach Gaza in June and July.