Israel agrees to allow 2 fuel tankers into Gaza daily

Israel agreed on Friday for the first time since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza on Oct. 7, to the daily delivery of fuel into the embattled Gaza Strip to "prevent the spread of epidemics" as hospitals shut down over fuel shortages.

In response to a US request, the war cabinet had unanimously approved "the entry of two diesel fuel tankers per day for the needs of the UN to support water and sewer infrastructure," an Israeli source said in a statement.

"Delivering the fuel, provided that it does not reach Hamas, gives Israel extra room to maneuver in the international arena to eradicate Hamas," the source added.

Allowing the fuel will provide "minimal" support for Gaza's water, sewage and sanitary systems, aiming to prevent pandemics, the source said.

Israeli Minister of National Security, Eitam Ben Gvir, criticized the decision on X, saying "as long as our hostages have not been visited by the Red Cross, there is no meaning to granting the enemy humanitarian gifts".

Fuel shortage poses a catastrophic crisis for the Gaza Strip, which is home to around 2.3 million people. Since Oct. 7, the Israeli military intensified its attacks in northern Gaza resulting in the mass destruction of civilian infrastructure, hospitals, mosques, churches, and entire residential areas.

At least 11,500 Palestinians have since been killed, including more than 7,800 women and children, and more than 29,200 injured, according to the latest figures from Palestinian authorities.

The Israeli death toll, meanwhile, is around 1,200, according to official figures.