Gaza has only received nine percent of the relief needed for the ongoing crisis, according to Tom White, director of U.N. relief agency UNRWA in Gaza.
“This is only 9% of what we need daily to sustain lifesaving activities”.
With the first fuel truck making its way into Gaza on Wednesday, more than 23,000 litres, or half a tanker, had been delivered.
However, it will do little to alleviate the scarcity that has obstructed relief efforts.
According to a humanitarian source, the delivery became feasible by Israel’s approval of 24,000 litres (6,340 gallons) of diesel fuel for UN aid distribution trucks rather than hospitals.
Aid workers said that the scarcity of fuel, which is essential for powering hospital generators, supplying water, treating sewage, maintaining communication, and distributing aid, has exacerbated the catastrophic conditions for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
Since October 21, aid has been transported from Egypt into Gaza.
However, Israel had previously refused entry to fuel, citing concerns that Hamas could use it to bolster their conflict against Israel.
Moreover, the UN recently cautioned that the complete depletion of fuel reserves could soon force a halt in humanitarian operations.
The fuel shortage also posed a risk of shutting down telecommunications data centres and connection points within two days.
