Fuel Reserves in Gaza:
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently disclosed photographs showcasing what they claim to be fuel tanks within the Gaza Strip. The IDF alleges that Hamas has accumulated significant quantities of fuel in the region.
IDF’s Claims:
The images were shared via the IDF’s Arabic-language account on social media, and they depicted a location near the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza. Avichay Adraee, the IDF’s Arabic spokesperson, emphasized that the images represented “over half a million liters of diesel,” pointing out that “Hamas keeps claiming it does not have enough fuel to support hospitals and bakeries.”
Hamas’ Appeal and Power Outage:
Hamas had decried a power outage at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza as a “crime against humanity” and called for action from Arab and Muslim nations, as well as the United Nations, to address the crisis. The hospital experienced a power failure due to a fuel shortage, and although electricity was partially restored, it has only enough fuel to run generators for an additional 48 hours. After this period, crucial medical equipment could stop functioning.
Fuel Supply Disruption:
Israel, which usually supplies fuel to Gaza, suspended all transfers following an attack by Hamas on October 7. This attack involved a ground, air, and sea offensive against Israel, resulting in significant destruction and casualties. Since the conflict began, Israel imposed a complete blockade on the coastal enclave, including barring the entry of fuel. While the first two aid convoys were recently allowed into Gaza over the weekend, they were focused on transporting food and medical supplies.
UN’s Concern and IDF Statement:
The United Nations has stated that at least 100 trucks a day are required to meet the basic needs of Gaza’s 2.4 million inhabitants. The IDF’s statement contends that Hamas diverts fuel from civilians to its tunnels, rocket launchers, and leaders, suggesting different priorities.
The statement also directs blame towards Hamas leadership, saying, “Residents of Gaza, the address for your complaints is not Israel. It’s Yahya Sinwar, Muhammad Deif, and other Hamas members who pushed Gaza into this situation.”
Relocation and Humanitarian Situation:
The IDF official stated that there is currently no humanitarian crisis in Gaza, despite difficulties in moving people within days to the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The military has been instructing Gazans to relocate to the southern region since the early days of the conflict.
Israel is allowing the entry of food, water, and medical supplies from Egypt into southern Gaza for Palestinian civilians, as long as these supplies do not reach Hamas. However, fuel remains excluded from the list of allowed items.
Casualty Figures:
The reported death toll from Israel’s attacks stands at more than 5,700, according to figures provided by the Hamas-run health ministry, though these figures are unverified.