Fuel Transport Truck Enters Gaza, UN: Only 9 Percent Of Needs, Israel's Limited Use

Illustration of fuel trucks allowed into the Gaza Strip. (Twitter/@ShehabAgency)

JAKARTA - The fuel truck for the first time arrived in Gaza via Egypt on Wednesday, since the war broke out in the area last month, although its use was said to be limited and it could not meet the needs of the enclave.

"Just received 23,027 LT of fuel from Egypt, but its use has been limited by Israeli authorities, only to transport aid from Rafah," UNRWA Director Tom White wrote on X, as quoted November 15.

"There is no fuel for water or hospitals. This amount is only 9 percent of our daily needs to support life-saving activities," he continued.

Israel's total blockade of Gaza has caused the enclave to lack the fuel needed for electricity, hospital generators, clean water supply, communications to aid distribution, exacerbating the condition of 2.3 million residents of the region.

An international source familiar with the fuel shipment said the delivery of the first phase was intended to be divided into two days.

"It's not enough for anything, not for hospitals, not even for aid deliveries," said the unnamed source.

It is known that as many as 91 trucks carrying food, medicine, bottled water, blankets and tents entered Gaza from Egypt on Tuesday.

The United Nations said aid deliveries since October 21, a total of 1,187 trucks, could meet only a small part of the need. Aid distributions have largely stalled due to fuel shortages.

Israel's authorities have allowed the delivery of limited humanitarian aid to Gaza since October 21. However, they do not allow the entry of fuel, accusing it of being used by the Hamas militant group.

Just received 23,027 LT of fuel from Egypt (half a tanker) – but its use has been restricted by Israeli authorities - only for transporting aid from Rafah. No fuel for water or hospitalsThis is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities@UNRWA #Gaza

— Thomas White (@TomWhiteGaza) November 15, 2023

Just received 23,027 LT of fuel from Egypt (half a tanker) but its use has been restored by Israeli authorities - only for transporting Aid from Rafah. No fuel for water or hospitality This is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain living activities @UNRWA #Gaza