Rockets land in south; Gaza fuel terminals to remain closed
Three Qassams, mortar shell fired at Israel prompt Defense Minister Barak to order diesel supply to Strip be suspended further. Gaza sources warn of impending blackout. 'Ongoing rocket fire unacceptable,' says security source
Three Qassam rockets were fired from northern Gaza at Israel on Monday, two landing on the outskirts of Sderot and another in an open field within Shaar Hanegev Regional Council.
Earlier, a mortar shell fired at Israel landed in Palestinian territory adjacent to Kibbutz Kfar Aza. No injuries or damage were reported in either incident.
In view of the ongoing Qassam fire on Israel, Defense Minister Ehud Barak decided Monday against renewing the fuel supply to Gaza Strip, thus ordering the fuel terminals to remain closed.
Barak stands to hold further security assessments on the matter on Monday evening.
Israel supplies the Gaza power plant with 581,200 gallons of diesel oil a week, funded by the European Union. The power plant supplies 30% of the Strip's power, with the additional 60% coming from Israel and Egypt.
Sources in the defense establishment said that even if the Gaza power plant runs out of diesel, it may cause power shortages, but not a complete blackout.
"The ongoing rocket fire is unacceptable," said a security source. "We may be seeing fewer rockets fired, and Egypt is trying to curb Hamas, but that hasn’t happened yet.
"We can't open the fuel terminals while they are firing at us. Even if they run out of diesel, it won't disrupt life in Gaza too much. Those responsible for the welfare of the Strip's residents should make sure the rocket fire stops."
Palestinian source reported of partial blackouts across Gaza Strip on Sunday, saying it was a direct result of diesel shortage.
The Gaza Energy Authority blames the shortage on the petrol terminals being closed, warning that unless the supply is renewed soon, Gaza's residents will suffer a very cold winter.
Shmulik Hadad contributed to this report
