Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has not given approval for fuel shipments into the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu made the comments after Israel’s military chief said the army could agree to fuel shipments — if there are guarantees that they go only to hospitals and do not reach Hamas.
Quick Read
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel has not approved fuel shipments into Gaza, contradicting the military chief’s openness under certain conditions.
- Netanyahu emphasizes that while humanitarian aid is ongoing, there is no decision regarding fuel imports, which are crucial for medical and other essential services in Gaza.
- Israel’s military chief expressed willingness to allow fuel shipments if it can be ensured the fuel won’t be used by Hamas militarily.
- Hospitals in Gaza are reportedly on the brink of shutting down due to fuel shortages, while Israel maintains that Hamas has been diverting fuel for military purposes.
- A system of supervision for fuel delivery to hospitals has been suggested by Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, without specifying a start date for such shipments.
The Associated Press has the story:
Netanyahu: Israel hasn’t given approval for fuel shipments to Gaza
Newslooks- JERUSALEM (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has not given approval for fuel shipments into the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu made the comments after Israel’s military chief said the army could agree to fuel shipments — if there are guarantees that they go only to hospitals and do not reach Hamas.
Speaking at a news conference Thursday, Netanyahu said there has been no decision on fuel imports.
“We are assisting with humanitarian aid, including food, medicine and water — that exists. There has been no decision on fuel.”
The United Nations and Gazan hospitals have warned that fuel supplies are quickly dwindling, threatening medical and humanitarian operations in the besieged area.
Israel has been conducting a fierce offensive in Gaza since a bloody, cross-border attack by Hamas militants on Oct. 7.
FUEL WOULD BE ALLOWED INTO GAZA ONLY WITH ASSURANCES IT WOULDN’T BE DIVERTED TO HAMAS, ISRAELI MILITARY CHIEF SAYS
JERUSALEM — Israel’s military chief says that Israel is willing to allow fuel shipments into the Gaza Strip — if there are assurances the fuel is not diverted to Hamas for military use.
Israel has barred all fuel shipments from entering Gaza since the war against Hamas erupted on Oct. 7. It says that Hamas is hoarding fuel and diverting it for military use. But many of the strip’s hospitals say they have been forced to limit or halt operations because of a lack of fuel for their generators.
Speaking to reporters, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said that Israel is closely monitoring the fuel situation in Gaza and believes the hospitals still have enough to operate. He said when Israel is convinced that fuel has truly run out, it would be willing to allow in new supplies.
“We will see when that day comes and fuel will be delivered with supervision to the hospitals,” he said. “We will do everything so that it does not reach the Hamas infrastructure,” he added.
