By Laura Zuber
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
JERUSALEM, Israel – Israel’s defense minister, Ehud Barak, approved sanctions against Gaza in an attempt to halt rocket attacks. Israel hopes that by cutting off electricity and other supplies, Gaza residents will pressure militant groups to stop launching rockets into Israel. Last month, Israel declared Gaza to be a “hostile entity” and reasoned that it would not be violating international law if they stopped supplying Gaza with electricity, water, or fuel. Palestinians and many international organizations disagree and state that Israel has a responsibility, as occupiers, that these resources are supplied to Gaza. The Carter Center, a human rights group began by former US President Carter, viewed the proposal as enforcing collective punishment against 1.4 million Palestinians for the actions of a few.
A senior defense official stated that Palestinians need to be shown that life does not go on when rockets land in Israel; “If rockets are fired, then the Palestinians will pay a price.” Israeli Deputy Defense Minister, Matan Vilnai, led the development of the proposal. He said the amount of power Israel supplied to Gaza will be “dramatically reduced” over the several weeks. Officials stated that electricity will be shut off for 15 minutes following a rocket attack and the period will be extended as the attacks continue.
It appears that Israel plans to eventually stop supplying Gaza with electricity at all. Vilnai stated he hoped that Gazans would be able to produce their own electricity and would not be dependent on Israel. Currently, 120 of the 200 megawatts consumed in Gaza are delivered directly from Israel. Only 65 megawatts are produced in Gaza and the rest comes from Egypt.
Israeli officials claim that they do not intend to cause a humanitarian crisis. However, serious humanitarian issues already exist in the area. Gaza is already isolated following a Western freeze on aid, when Hamas won elections in 2006, and Israeli border restrictions, following Hamas’ takeover of Gaza in June 2007. The border restrictions allow only “vital humanitarian supplies.” However, according to Gaza’s governor, 200 Red Cross vehicles carrying food and humanitarian aid are needed, but only 60 have been allowed to enter Gaza. Hospitals are running out of supplies and only patients with serious injuries are treated.
For more information, please see:
Ha’aretz – PA seeks int’l intervention as Gaza power cuts imminent – 26 October 2007
Al Jazeera – Israel approves Gaza Sanctions – 25 October 2007
BBC – Israel approves Gaza power cuts – 25 October 2007
Guardian Unlimited – Israel proposes cutting power to Gaza to deter attacks – 25 October 2007
International Herald Tribune – Israel plays down Mideast conference, approves Gaza sanctions – 25 October 2007
Jerusalem Post – Barak okays plan to gradually reduce power supply to Gaza – 25 October 2007
Reuters – Barak approves limiting Israel’s Gaza power supply – 25 October 2007
Yedioth – Palestinians: Limiting Gaza power supply a crime – 25 October 2007
Al Jazeera – Israel set to sever power to Gaza – 24 October 2007
