GAZA CITY, Gaza – Gaza’s main power plant began shutting down early January 20. One of the plant’s two turbines shut down and, according to the Palestinian Energy Authority, the plant will be completely closed within 24 hours. Gazans prepare by buying batteries, candles, and basic food staples such as rice. The Energy Authority stated that over one million Gazans will be affected by this closure, which includes hospitals, sewage treatment plants, and water facilities. United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) spokesman Christopher Gunness said that “the logic of this defies basic humanitarian standards.”
Plant director, Rafik Maliha, said that the regular fuel delivery had not arrived, as a result of the border closure, and the plant had no reserves. On January 18, Israel closed its border crossings into Gaza, including the Nahal Oz fuel terminal, in response to an increase in Qassam rocket attacks coming from Gaza. The border closing also affected the delivery of UN humanitarian aid, with only aid approved by Defense Minister Ehud Barak allowed through.
Israeli officials place the responsibility of the closing and any humanitarian crisis that results on Hamas and militant groups. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Arye Mekel said “if they stop the rockets today, everything would go back to normal.” Also, Israeli Defense Ministry spokesman Shlomo Dror stated that the fuel shortage is not creating a crisis in Gaza, but rather accused Palestinians officials as trying to create the impression of crisis.
The UN and the international community criticize Israel’s use of fuel sanctions and border closings as collective punishment. John Holmes, UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, stated “we all understand the security problems and the need to respond to that but collective punishment of the people of Gaza is not, we believe, the appropriate way to do that.” Holmes is worried that the violence in Gaza could cause an even more serious humanitarian situation than already exists.
The UN also condemned Israel’s air strike on January 18, which targeted Gaza’s Interior Ministry office. While the office was vacant, there was a wedding celebration nearby and 50 attendees were injured and one woman was killed.
For more information, please see:
Al Jazeera – Gazans Facing Power Shutdown – 20 January 2008
BBC – Gaza Fuel Shortage Begins to Bite – 20 January 2008
Jerusalem Post – ‘Gaza Power Plant to Shut Down’ – 20 January 2008
Washington Post – Gaza Power Plant Begins Shutting Down – 20 January 2008
