A United Nations official agreed Monday that Hamas is manufacturing a fuel crisis in Gaza by refusing to distribute one million liters of fuel that Israel has delivered to the area. The stored fuel would be sufficient for several days, the official said. Gas stations in Gaza have played their part in the crisis as well, with many refusing to sell fuel in protest of what they say is an insufficient supply.
One of the main points of fuel transfer into Gaza, the Nahal Oz fuel terminal, has been closed since last week following a fatal terrorist attack on Israeli civilians working in the area. Defense officials said Monday that the terminal is likely to remain closed for several days.