Netanyahu refuses to budge on barring entry of fuel into Gaza: Local media

Israel will continue to bar the entry of fuel into the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said on Friday.

Netanyahu's office made the announcement on the besieged Palestinian enclave's fuel supply, vital for the continued operation of hospital generators, after a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv, according to the daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

The Israeli government banned entry of fuel into Gaza on Oct. 7, following the eruption of the fighting between Palestinian groups and Israel in Gaza.

UN and international organizations warned from the lack of fuel has had numerous negative impacts, especially in hospitals, which depend on fuel to run their power generators after electricity was cut off last month.

The Israeli army has widened its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the surprise offensive by Hamas on Oct. 7.

More than 10,700 people have been killed in the conflict, including at least 9,227 Palestinians and more than 1,538 Israelis.