Fuel Crisis in Gaza Escalates Amid Israeli Restrictions

The Gaza Strip is facing a severe fuel shortage, with the Israeli military reiterating its refusal to allow fuel to enter the besieged enclave. Israel believes that Hamas misappropriates the fuel for its operational infrastructure. When asked if fuel would be allowed in exchange for hostages, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that fuel from the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) had been “stolen by Hamas.”

The UNRWA warned that if it doesn’t receive fuel urgently, it will be forced to halt operations in Gaza. In response, the IDF posted satellite photos of fuel tanks within Gaza, suggesting that Hamas should provide fuel for hospitals and citizens. The Gaza Strip faces a dire situation as its fuel supplies dwindle, impacting access to clean drinking water and the operation of hospitals and aid operations. As primary healthcare clinics and hospitals shut down due to damage or a lack of fuel, there are concerns of a health crisis and dehydration due to the consumption of salty, dirty water by some Gazans.