In February, Hamas called on Palestinians to form a human chain that
would traverse the Gaza Strip. But the regime did not draw anywhere near the
40,000 youngsters needed for the chain.
In mid-April, Hamas threatened to storm the Gaza border with Egypt. But
in wake of an Egyptian alert and warnings from Cairo, Hamas was said to have
shelved the plan.
Israel's military has been bracing for clashes with Palestinians. On
Thursday, the government of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert enabled at least 90
trucks of food and humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip. Israel also
pumped three days worth of fuel to the Gaza Strip.
Still, the United Nations reported a halt in food distribution. The UN
Relief Works Agency said its vehicles, required to give food to 700,000
Palestinians, ran out of fuel.
"All of our regular food operations have stopped because of the fuel
shortage," UNRWA spokesman Adnan Abu Hasna said.