After hiatus, Israel allows fuel back into Gaza

- Fuel shipments suspended amid recent escalations between Israel, Gaza-based resistance groups

The Israeli authorities on Tuesday allowed fuel shipments to enter the blockaded Gaza Strip after a days-long hiatus caused by recent escalations between Israel and Gaza-based resistance groups.

According to the Israeli Broadcast Authority, Tuesday’s fuel shipments entered the enclave through the Kerem Shalom land crossing linking Gaza to Israel and Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula.

On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli army pounded the Hamas-run coastal enclave with airstrikes and artillery barrages, while resistance factions responded by firing rockets towards southern Israel.

The violence ended at dawn Monday, when a ceasefire -- the exact terms of which remain unclear -- went into effect.

At least 27 Palestinians were killed in the exchange and scores more injured, while four Israelis were killed, according to Israeli media reports.

The escalation began last Friday when four Palestinians were killed by Israeli military strikes on Hamas-affiliated positions in Gaza.

Reporting by Abdel Raouf Arnaout in Jerusalem

Writing by Mahmoud Barakat

Anadolu Agency

energy@aa.com.tr