Israel allows anaesthesia gas into Gaza

Israel allowed a shipment of nitrous oxide, used as an anaesthetic, into the Gaza Strip yesterday following international pressure, according to spokesman for the Ministry of Health Dr Ashraf Al-Qidra.

The Gaza Strip needs 400,000 litres per year of nitrous oxide for its hospitals to function adequately.

However, Al-Qidra pointed out that the nitrous oxide will only be allowed in quantities as defined by the Israeli occupation who will not allow stocks to be imported regularly.

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Al-Qidra expressed appreciation on behalf of the Ministry of Health to the international organisations, particularly the World Health Organisation, for supporting Gaza’s health sector.

However following the shipment, the Kerem Shalom crossing was closed preventing any imports or exports from crossing the Israel-Gaza border.

The crossing is the only means through which vital supplies of food, gas and fuel are allowed into the besieged Gaza Strip, on which Israel has imposed a stifling decade-long siege.