Petrol stations in Palestinian areas began shutting down yesterday after an Israeli fuel company cut off deliveries, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip that has followed Hamas's rise to power.
An end to fuel supplies could cripple hospitals, halt food deliveries and keep people from work - a devastating scenario for an economy already ravaged by Israeli and international sanctions.
Dor Energy, the Israeli firm that is the sole fuel provider to the Palestinians, cited growing debts for its decision.
Mujahid Salame, head of the Palestinian petrol authority, predicted fuel supplies would run out in many areas by today. "If this happens, there will be a humanitarian crisis," he said.
The Palestinian economy has been hit hard by a cut-off in Western aid. Donors halted the cash in response to Hamas's electoral victory, demanding it renounce violence and recognise Israel.
The fuel crisis comes a day after the US, EU, UN and Russia agreed to restore some humanitarian aid to the Palestinians as long as the money bypasses Hamas. It remains unclear when the scheme will start.-AP
Petrol stations in Palestinian areas began shutting down yesterday after an Israeli fuel company cut off deliveries, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip that has followed Hamas's rise to power.
An end to fuel supplies could cripple hospitals, halt food deliveries and keep people from work - a devastating scenario for an economy already ravaged by Israeli and international sanctions.
Dor Energy, the Israeli firm that is the sole fuel provider to the Palestinians, cited growing debts for its decision.
Mujahid Salame, head of the Palestinian petrol authority, predicted fuel supplies would run out in many areas by today. "If this happens, there will be a humanitarian crisis," he said.
The Palestinian economy has been hit hard by a cut-off in Western aid. Donors halted the cash in response to Hamas's electoral victory, demanding it renounce violence and recognise Israel.
The fuel crisis comes a day after the US, EU, UN and Russia agreed to restore some humanitarian aid to the Palestinians as long as the money bypasses Hamas. It remains unclear when the scheme will start.-AP
Petrol stations in Palestinian areas began shutting down yesterday after an Israeli fuel company cut off deliveries, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza Strip that has followed Hamas's rise to power.
An end to fuel supplies could cripple hospitals, halt food deliveries and keep people from work - a devastating scenario for an economy already ravaged by Israeli and international sanctions.
Dor Energy, the Israeli firm that is the sole fuel provider to the Palestinians, cited growing debts for its decision.
Mujahid Salame, head of the Palestinian petrol authority, predicted fuel supplies would run out in many areas by today. "If this happens, there will be a humanitarian crisis," he said.
The Palestinian economy has been hit hard by a cut-off in Western aid. Donors halted the cash in response to Hamas's electoral victory, demanding it renounce violence and recognise Israel.
The fuel crisis comes a day after the US, EU, UN and Russia agreed to restore some humanitarian aid to the Palestinians as long as the money bypasses Hamas. It remains unclear when the scheme will start.-
