Israel Affirms Fuel Cannot Enter Gaza

JAKARTA - Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stressed fuel should not enter Gaza regardless of circumstances.

"Gaza will be in control of Israel after the war," Smotrich said.

Israel has prevented fuel and electricity from entering Gaza, in addition to strictly restricting the supply of water, food and medicine since the conflict began on October 7.

Palestinian Red Crescent Society on Saturday said its crews received 47 trucks on Friday through the Egypt-Gaza Cross-Fitr entrance in Rafah.

The trucks contain aid, while fuel is still not allowed into the Palestinian territory's pockets.

The United Nations and international organizations warn fuel shortages will have a negative impact, especially in hospitals, which require fuel to run the generator after last month's power cut.

The shortage of fuel made hospitals, cake shops, and drinking water pumps unable to operate, thereby increasing the humanitarian disaster in this blockaded Palestinian bag.

UN officials have repeatedly urged Israel to allow fuel to enter the Gaza Strip and emphasize that "hospitals cannot be part of the war."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has repeatedly stressed the need for "food, fuel and water to be delivered immediately and quickly to the Gaza Strip."