"The widespread despair in Gaza is the result of choice made by the residents to have Hamas
lead them," Defense Minister Ehud Barak said
Tuesday while touring the Qassam-battered town of Sderot, adding that the Islamist group was responsible for the terror and rocket attacks emanating from the coastal enclave and would "suffer the consequences".
Following a request issued by Egyptian leaders, Barak ordered
on Monday the renewal of diesel fuel shipments to Gaza's power plant. Only the minimal amount required to maintain the station's operations will be transferred.
In addition to this, Israel will also allow shipments of cooking gas into the Strip. At this point petrol and diesel fuels used for transportation needs will not be supplied. The transfer will only commence on Wednesday due to security coordination efforts.
"We will find a way to continue to address (Gaza's) humanitarian needs," the defense minister said during his visit to Sderot, "but for the time-being the border crossings will remain closed."
Referring to the IDF's activity in Gaza, Barak said "we are committed to providing security for all of Israeli communities surrounding the Strip. It won't be achieved tomorrow or next week, but calm will eventually set in, as it has in the past.
"The IDF will continue to stand guard and increase its deterrence capabilities," he said, "we will prevail in any confrontation that is forced on us."
The defense minister also addressed the recent travel warning issued by the Counter-Terrorism Bureau urging Israelis to keep out of the Sinai peninsula, saying "I suggest that the citizens take these warnings seriously."
Also on Tuesday, Barak's deputy Matan Vilnai visited Kibbutz Nir Am, where about a month ago a Qassam rocket landed just outside a kindergarten. No children were injured in the attack.
Vilnai was briefed on the continued fortification works at the kibbutz.
Zeev Trachtman contributed to the report
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