Fuel Shortages and Power Cuts Continue in Gaza

Power cuts of up to 12 hours a day continue to make life in Gaza extremely difficult, due to the Gaza power plant being unable to produce more than one third of its capacity because of fuel shortages caused by the Israeli siege, and the closure of tunnels by Egypt which precipitated the current crisis.

Although the Qatari Government sent 30 million litres of fuel to ease the crisis months ago, Israel and Egypt have prevented its entry into Gaza under one pretext after another, and it still sits in reservoirs in the Port of Suez, although Israel last week approved Egypt to transport it to Gaza

According to the OCHA Protection of Civilians Weekly Report (16-22 MAY 2012), less than 25% of the daily amount supplied through the tunnels under the Egypt-Gaza border before the crisis was able to enter during the OCHA reporting period, and although private businesses continued to import fuel from Israel, they had to pay double the price of Egyptian fuel.

Effects of the fuel shortage on Gaza include the closure of almost all petrol stations, long queues at those that remain open, severe shortage of public transport impacting significantly on the ability of students and workers to get to school and work, and lengthy power cuts.

Apart from the significant impact on daily life such as inability to use computers, the spoiling of food and other inconveniences, the power cuts have also resulted in several deaths and many injuries, such as fires caused by candles, exploding generators, and the failure of life-saving medical and surgical equipment reliant on electricity.

Despite such collective punishment being in clear violation of international law, and being widely documented by international human rights organisations and the United Nations itself, none have yet taken any concrete action to end this ongoing abuse of Gaza civilians.

ENDS

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