Gaza residents rent generators hourly after infrastructure destruction

Israel’s extensive air and ground operations in Gaza have devastated residential areas and critical infrastructure, leaving large swaths of the enclave without reliable electricity. With the power grid largely inoperable, many Palestinian households have turned to portable generators, often renting them by the hour to meet basic needs such as lighting, refrigeration, and medical equipment.

The hourly rental model reflects both the scarcity of functional generators and the high cost of fuel, which has risen sharply amid the conflict. Humanitarian organizations report that families are spending a significant portion of their limited income on electricity, while clinics and schools rely on intermittent power to continue operations. The reliance on short‑term generator use underscores the broader challenges faced by Gaza’s civilian population as essential services remain disrupted.