Israel has increased the shipments of cooking gas into Gaza but a Gaza gas official said that residents have not felt the increase because the Gaza crossings were closed for two days last week. Israel re-opened the crossings after another respite from rocket attacks that have sporadically interrupted the June 19 ceasefire.

Arab demand for cooking gas increases during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Fast days are observed from morning to sundown but large meals are prepared at night. In addition, the end of the month is marked with a three-day holiday.