By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian gas union withdrew fuel from Palestinian depots at Nahal Oz crossing but withheld distributions to see if Israel was going to pump more supplies into the Gaza Strip.
In a statement issued Monday, the Petrol Station Owners Association (PSOA) said the strike would remain in effect “untilthe deliveries increase and become regular and sufficient for Gaza Strip needs.”
However, some of the newly-received fuel will be used to meet basic and humanitarian needs in Gaza, headed by the deposed Hamas government, the (PSOA) said.
Israel gradually reduced fuel shipments into Gaza since lasts eptember, three months after the Islamic movement of Hamas ousted Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ forces and took over Gaza.” Nahal Oz depots did not receive any cooking gas or fuel since more than three days,” the association said, adding that Israel “shoulders the moral and legal responsibility for not proving Gazawith enough fuel.”
The EU-funded industrial diesel and the cooking gas are allowed intermittently into Gaza, while the vehicle diesel and gasoline are sharply reduced.
The shortages forced the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) again suspended food distributions to the Palestinian refugees.
On Sunday, Israel defense forces closed the Karni border crossing and the Nahal Oz fuel terminal with the Gaza Strip after rocket attacks from Palestinian militants.