The initial shipment of fuel has entered Gaza following US pressure on Israel, leading to the resumption of communication in the territory. Meanwhile, a hospital director reported 26 casualties in a strike in Khan Yunis on Saturday.
The two-day blackout caused by fuel shortages came to an end after the first delivery from Egypt on Friday. Despite this, UN officials continue to call for a ceasefire, emphasizing the lack of safe zones in Gaza.
Israel’s military launched an air and ground campaign, resulting in 12,000 casualties, including 5,000 children, as reported by Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007.
Amid an imposed siege on Gaza, Israel permitted two fuel tankers a day to address electricity shortages affecting wastewater treatment facilities. This decision, following US pressure, aims to prevent the collapse of critical infrastructure.
“We took that decision to prevent the spread of epidemics,” Israel’s national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said.
A senior US official mentioned that the country exerted significant pressure on Israel for weeks to allow fuel in.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) stated that 70% of residents have no access to clean water in south Gaza, where raw sewage has begun to flow on the streets.
Under the deal, 140,000 liters of fuel will be allowed every 48 hours, with 20,000 liters earmarked for generators to restore the phone network. Communication blackouts, caused by fuel depletion, hindered aid deliveries, and UN officials stressed that fuel supplies remain insufficient to meet humanitarian responsibilities.
In Gaza, the health ministry reported 24 patient deaths in 48 hours due to the lack of fuel for generators. Israel’s military operations targeting hospitals face scrutiny, with claims that these facilities are used by Hamas, a contention rejected by the group and medical staff.
The Al-Shifa hospital, where Israeli troops initiated a raid, is sheltering thousands, including wounded patients and premature babies. Israel asserts that it discovered weapons and tunnel entrances at the hospital complex, allegations that cannot be independently verified.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at “strong indications” of hostages at the medical facility, though none have been recovered. The remains of two kidnapped women, Noa Marciano, 19, and Yehudit Weiss, 65, were found near Al-Shifa hospital.
