The United Nations has delivered fuel to the Gaza Strip for the first time in more than four months, as Israel’s military campaign in the coastal territory continues to claim dozens of lives, according to Palestinians.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said 75,000 litres of fuel were delivered on Thursday to war-shattered Gaza, home to hundreds of thousands of people in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
However, he stressed the quantity fell far short of what was required.
"The amount entered yesterday isn’t sufficient to cover even one day of energy requirements," Dujarric said yesterday in New York.
The fuel is critical for powering generators at hospitals, bakeries and other essential facilities in Gaza, which remains under an Israeli blockade.
Dujarric warned of the consequences of continued shortages, noting: "One partner, for instance, reported to us this week that, in a matter of days, fuel shortages could cut off supplies to clean drinking water to about 44,000 children that depend on that water source," he said.
Meanwhile, renewed Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 55 people yesterday, according to reports in the Hamas-run territory, citing medical sources. The figures could not be independently verified.
Palestinian news agency WAFA reported Israeli strikes targeted multiple areas, including the central city of Deir al-Balah, where 16 people were reportedly killed, 10 children being among them. Hospital officials said the victims had been waiting for food aid.
The UN children’s agency Unicef confirmed the aid, which was being provided by a partner organisation, had been intended for children and condemned the deaths.
"The killing of families trying to access life-saving aid is unconscionable," Unicef executive director Catherine Russell said.
She urged Israel to conduct an independent investigation.
"This is the cruel reality confronting many in Gaza today after months of insufficient aid being allowed into the territory, and parties to the conflict failing to uphold basic responsibilities to protect civilians," she said.
Israel’s military said it had targeted a Hamas operative in the area who was involved in the group’s October 7, 2023, massacre in Israel.
"The incident is currently under review," the army said, adding it regretted "any harm caused to uninvolved individuals" and sought to minimise civilian suffering.
WAFA also reported deadly strikes in Khan Younis in the south and Gaza City in the north.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday he hoped to reach a deal in a few days for the release of more Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
He said Israel and Hamas would likely have a 60-day ceasefire, which the two sides could use to try to end the conflict, although there were several sticking points in the ongoing ceasefire talks. — dpa/Reuters
