Sources in Israel, Strip confirm scheduled transfer of 450,000 liters of diesel fuel necessary for Gaza power plant

Israel will transfer 450,000 liters of diesel fuel to Gaza Strip Friday.

The transfer, scheduled to take place via the Kerem Shalom crossing is meant to alleviate the grave fuel shortage plaguing the Stirp.

Palestinian sources noted that for the first time the Palestinian Authority would pay for the fuel supply, following a decision made by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

The fuel infusion would allow the Gaza power plant to operate at full capacity for the first time in over a month.

Still the quantity of diesel fuel given to Gaza is likely to last for only a few days.

Nazmi Mhana, director-general of the Palestinian Crossings Authority noted that Israel´s Dor Alon will be supplying the diesel fuel.

Mhana stressed that Abbas´ decision stemmed from the urgent need to solve power supply problems to vital Gaza institutions, such as hospitals.

Israeli source confirmed that the transfer will take place on Friday, adding that the operation was approved by Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Major-General Eitan Dangot, in view of the dire situation in Gaza. The PA said there was an urgent need to resolved the issue of diesel fuel supply to the Strip and that all the parties involved, namely the PA, Hamas government in Gaza and Egypt, were working to finalize a solution.

Over the past few years, Hamas´ government has been able to facilitate diesel fuel transfers to the Strip through Gaza´s smuggling tunnels, but Egypt has put a stop to it in recent months. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 03/23/12)