One Gaza crossing open; no grains, no fuel in smallest delivery in weeks
2 April 2009
Thursday saw Israel allow the smallest quantity of vital supplies into the Gaza Strip in weeks, opening just one of three key crossing points into the blockaded coastal area.
Raed Fattuh, chair of the Gazan committee for the entry of goods confirmed that the Kerem Shalom crossing would be partially opened on Thursday.
On Wednesday all three crossings were partially open. There will be 115 trucks of goods; 51 of humanitarian aid for the UN and other agencies, 48 destined for the Gazan private sector, including frozen meats, flour, sugar, rice, beans, cooking oil, disposable diapers, toilet paper and blankets. Another 13 trucks will be loaded with fruits and eggs for the agriculture sector and 3 trucks loaded with plastic materials for the water authority.
The Karni crossing, which transports grains like wheat and animal fodder, will be closed, as will the Nahal Oz crossing, which is for the transport of fuel. This means no fuel will be transported into Gaza Thursday. Because crossings are only open for a few hours Friday, and closed Saturday, it is unlikely that fuel will pass into the strip before Sunday. An unknown amount of fuel was delivered Wednesday - usually around 450,000 liters of industrial diesel - and no fuel was delivered Tuesday.
