Israel agrees to limited fuel deliveries to Gaza following US push

Gaza received its initial fuel shipment as Israel bowed to US pressure for limited deliveries, allowing wastewater treatment and restoring communications after a two-day blackout.

The fuel, arriving from Egypt late Friday, marked a crucial development as UN officials warned of a worsening situation for 2.4 million Palestinians.

Israel’s war cabinet permitted two fuel tankers daily to address the electricity shortage affecting wastewater treatment facilities. The US exerted considerable pressure on Israel to allow fuel deliveries, reported AFP.

Under the agreement, 140,000 liters of fuel will be permitted every 48 hours, with 20,000 earmarked for generators to restore the phone network. The blackout hindered aid deliveries, prompting pleas from UNRWA for a ceasefire. The health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory reported deaths due to the lack of fuel for generators.

On the ground though, Israel pressed its offensive, combing Gaza’s largest hospital for the Hamas operations centre it says lies beneath.

Israel, in response to an October 7 attack by Hamas, pledged to “crush” the group.

Israel faced criticism for targeting hospitals in northern Gaza, claiming they were used by Hamas. The situation at Al-Shifa hospital remained tense, with Israel asserting the discovery of weapons and tunnel entrances, which Hamas denies.

Over 1.5 million Gazans are displaced, facing potential starvation due to the blockade. More than half of Gaza’s hospitals are non-functional, and civilians endure prolonged waits for limited food.

The conflict’s impact extends to the West Bank, witnessing increased violence, military raids, and a rising death toll. The Red Crescent reported casualties in a strike on Fatah’s headquarters in the Balata refugee camp.

With inputs from agencies