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Israel cuts off fuel to Gaza as balloon attacks continue

Israel’s defense minister has closed off fuel imports to Gaza, adding to the list of goods prohibited from crossing into the Strip in response to the explosive-laden balloons from Gaza.

Fuel tankers arrive at Kerem Shalom crossing in the southern Gaza Strip on August 15, 2018. - Israel reopened its only goods crossing with the Gaza Strip on Wednesday in response to relative calm on the border after months of tensions prompted a blockade on most goods from July 9. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP)        (Photo credit should read SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
Fuel tankers arrive at the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and the southern Gaza Strip on Aug. 15, 2018. — SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images

Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz has suspended fuel imports to Gaza as of this morning, Aug. 13. The office of the Coordinator for Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) said that the decision was made in light of the launching of incendiary balloons from the Strip toward Israeli territories, adding, “Hamas is accountable for all that is done in the Gaza Strip, as well as for actions launched from Gaza against Israel. Therefore, Hamas will have to bear the consequences of the violence committed against the citizens of the State of Israel."

On Aug. 11, Israel closed the commercial Kerem Shalom crossing point to all goods excluding fuel, food and humanitarian aid. Fuel transfers have now been halted as well.

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