Now that the Israeli government’s total blockade of all fuel deliveries has been relaxed, fuel is now flowing into the Gaza Strip again to run some important pumps for drinking water treatment. But that is still far too little. Egypt now accuses Israel of ‘systematically’ obstructing aid deliveries to the Palestinians.
Egypt is making every effort to facilitate deliveries through the Rafah border crossing, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said on Monday during a visit to China. “But Israel’s policy of obstructing the import of aid is systematic,” Shoukry said, according to his spokesman. Israel wants to “pressure” the Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip amid the “ongoing bombings and occupation,” Shoukry argued.
The opening of the only non-Israeli border crossing, Rafah, into Egypt is strictly regulated. After the Gaza war started, no aid arrived at all into the area through Rafah for about two weeks. Israel insists on checking aid deliveries to ensure the trucks are not used to smuggle in weapons or supplies for the Islamist Hamas.
Fuel blockage reduced
Since the easing of the fuel supply blockade, up to 70,000 liters of diesel and petrol have been allowed to be imported from Egypt through the border crossing every day. According to the Egyptian Red Crescent, two tankers carrying 60,000 liters of diesel entered the Gaza Strip via Rafah on Monday.
However, according to OCHA boss Martin Griffiths, around 200,000 liters are needed every day for minimal humanitarian supplies. This would mean refueling ambulances and trucks to distribute relief supplies and using generators to generate electricity – for example for hospitals, bakeries, pumping stations and servers for telecommunications providers.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
