Egypt comes to rescue as Israel cuts off Gaza gas
When Israel cut Gaza's fuel supply, Egypt stepped up to keep the Strip running, though shortages are still overwhelming.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Egypt started exporting gas Aug. 5 to the Gaza Strip after Israel stopped supplying the area, which continues to suffer from a huge shortage.
Khalil Shakafa, director of the General Directorate of Petroleum in Gaza, announced that Egypt had exported a shipment of 250 tons of propane (liquefied petroleum gas) via the Rafah crossing. He added that trucks carrying Egyptian gas will continue to enter the Gaza Strip while technical arrangements for regular deliveries are finalized.
Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman announced Aug. 1 that Israel was cutting off its fuel and natural gas supplies to the Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing in response to the continued attacks by flaming kites from Gaza.
The Kerem Shalom crossing is the only commercial crossing for residents of the Strip, and Israel is tightening its grip on the entry and exit of goods, including fuel and natural gas.
