Scoop: Israel plans to allow UN trucks in Gaza to refuel at Rafah crossing

• If the refueling takes place on Wednesday, it will be the first time Israel has allowed a significant amount of fuel into Gaza since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

What they're saying: A spokesperson for UNRWA said they had no information to provide when asked if the agency's trucks would be allowed to refuel on Wednesday.

• The spokesperson pointed Axios to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini's statement on Tuesday in which he called for fuel to be allowed into Gaza.
• "UNRWA set off alarm bells over the fuel situation three weeks ago, warning about its fast-depleting supplies, and the impact on lifesaving operations," Lazzarini said in the statement.
• "Since then, we have heavily rationed the use of fuel and accessed pre-existing, limited amounts stored in a depot inside the Gaza Strip, through close coordination with Israeli Authorities. The depot is now empty," he added.
• "It is unbelievable that humanitarian agencies have to beg for fuel and operate on life support. Since the beginning of the war, fuel has been used as a weapon of war and this should stop immediately."

Between the lines: A senior Israeli official said Israel's decision to allow UN trucks to refuel was made at the request of the Biden administration and in coordination with Israeli security services.

• The U.S. official echoed that statement, saying the decision is the result of U.S. diplomatic efforts over the last two weeks.