Gaza residents lack refrigerators, face heat and food spoilage

Gaza’s civilian population is confronting a severe humanitarian challenge as soaring summer temperatures combine with widespread electricity shortages, leaving many households without functioning refrigerators. The lack of cooling equipment hampers families’ ability to store perishable food, essential medicines and other basic supplies, forcing them to rely on limited alternatives such as ice packs or frequent market trips that are increasingly difficult amid movement restrictions and curfews.

Humanitarian agencies report that the power grid, already weakened by infrastructure damage and fuel scarcity, operates at intermittent intervals of only a few hours per day, insufficient to keep refrigeration units running continuously. The resulting food spoilage and medication degradation raise concerns about nutrition and health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and patients with chronic conditions. International aid efforts are focusing on delivering portable cooling units, expanding generator capacity and restoring electricity services, but logistical constraints and ongoing conflict continue to impede rapid relief.