UN gets first fuel delivery in Gaza since start of war

Wednesday saw the crossing of the first fuel truck into Gaza since Israel’s war with Hamas began. The truck was carrying diesel for the UN, but it won’t significantly help with the shortages that have hindered humanitarian efforts.

According to a humanitarian source, Israel authorised the entry of 24,000 litres (6,340 gallons) of diesel fuel into Gaza for use by U.N. assistance distribution vehicles, but not for use in hospitals, which allowed for the delivery.

“This is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities,” Tom White, director of U.N. relief agency UNRWA in Gaza, posted on social media platform X.

He confirmed that just over 23,000 litres, or half a tanker, had been received.

The situation for Gaza’s 2.3 million people has reportedly gotten significantly worse, according to aid workers. Fuel is required for hospital generators, water supply, sewage treatment, communications, and the distribution of aid.

Since October 21, sporadic supplies of humanitarian aid have started making their way into Gaza from Egypt; however, Israel has refused to permit the entry of fuel, claiming that it might be utilised by Hamas.

The UN has issued a warning in recent days, stating that when its gasoline supplies ran out completely, it would soon have to suspend humanitarian activities.

It claimed that fuel shortages were threatening to close hospitals, bakeries, sewage pumping stations, water desalination plants, and water wells, having previously caused or contributed to their shutdown.

Tuesday saw 91 trucks arrive in Gaza from Egypt with supplies including food, medicine, bottled water, blankets, and tents; nevertheless, the United Nations reports that the 1,187 trucks that have been sent since October 21 can only partially satisfy the needs. It stated that the scarcity of fuel has caused the aid to be distributed to essentially stop.

Witnesses reported that two more fuel-carrying trucks were positioned on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, but it was unknown when they would pass across to Gaza on Wednesday, following the entry of the first vehicle.

On October 7, Hamas militants entered southern Israel, prompting Israel to launch a military operation to eradicate the organisation. According to Israel, the attack claimed the lives of 1,200 people and captured another 240 more.

(With agency inputs)