In an interview with Al Jazeera, Ahmed Al-Kahlout, the head of civil defence in north Gaza, has said rescuers have been left with just one vehicle but lack fuel to operate it.

Despite facing a slew of challenges, including shortage of staff and equipment, as well the shelling of their teams resulting in 16 casualties, Al-Kahlout stressed that the civil defence will continue helping Gaza’s residents.

“We cannot leave the field, and we will remain committed to our people, even if we have to walk on foot, and we will work with our own hands,” he said.

Al-Kahlout called for support and protection to ensure that the civil defence teams can continue operating.