Calls to let fuel into the Gaza Strip

A UN aid agency yesterday called on Israel to allow emergency fuel into the Gaza Strip to avert the shutdown of hospitals and sanitation facilities.

Jamie Mcgoldrick, the United Nations’ humanitarian co-ordinator for the Palestinian territories, in a news release called Israel’s restriction of fuel imports “a dangerous practice, with grave consequences on the rights of people in Gaza.”

Israel halted the supply of petroleum and natural gas to Gaza last week in response to incendiary kites and balloons launched from Gaza into southern Israel. Israel temporarily suspended fuel shipments to Gaza in July for similar reasons.

Israel has been battling fires caused by kites and balloons rigged with incendiary devices or burning rags from Gaza.