LONDON, May 10 Reuters Global benchmark Brent hovered above 84 a barrel on Friday after data this week signalled growing demand in the U.S. and China, the world39;s two largest crude users, while festering conflict in the Middle East added support.

Brent futures were up 51 cents to 84.39 a barrel at 0956 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was up 57 cents to 79.83.

Falling U.S. crude inventories spurred by higher refinery runs coincided with data released on Thursday showing China39;s oil imports in April were higher than last year on signs of improving trade activity.

China39;s exports and imports returned to growth in April after contracting in the previous month.

Ongoing signs of strength in demand in China should see commodity market remain well supported, ANZ Research analysts said in a note.

In Europe, a Ukrainian drone attack set an oil refinery in Russia39;s Kaluga region on fire, RIA state news agency reported on Friday, the latest salvo from Kyiv in what has become a series of titfortat attacks on energy infrastructure.

Meanwhile, conflict in the Middle East continues, after Israeli forces bombarded areas of the southern Gaza city of Rafah on Thursday, according to Palestinian residents, after the latest round of negotiations to halt hostilities in Gaza came to naught.

As the conflict rages, it increases the potential for a broader conflagration in the region, particularly Palestinian group Hamas39; main supporter Iran, a key oil producer….