Gaza’s lone power plant has been shut down, less than a week after Israel suspended fuel shipments to the Palestinian enclave over the launching of incendiary balloons causing fires in southern Israel.
Gaza, ruled by Hamas, relies on Israel for most of its energy needs. The population of two million currently receives about six hours of electricity followed by a 10-hour power outage.
“The power feed can now decrease to just four hours [per day], “said Mohammad Thabet, an official at the main power distribution company in Gaza, after fuel ran out at the plant.
Gaza’s homes and businesses are relying on generators to make up for the long power cuts, which is increasing the financial pressure on its largely impoverished people.
Officials in Gaza said the closure of the power plant Tuesday would cause disruptions at vital facilities such as hospitals, which are also equipped with generators.
Air strikes
Thousands of incendiary helium balloons have been launched from Gaza in recent days, in what political sources described as a bid to pressure Israel to reduce its blockade and enable more Arab and international investment.
Israel cites security concerns when imposing restrictions.
The sources said the balloons were part of efforts to persuade Qatar to increase its cash aid to Hamas as the Gulf state seeks to lower Gaza’s border tensions.
Israel has carried out a number of airstrikes over the past week against positions held by Hamas and other armed factions, blaming it on the balloon incidents.
Hamas expects Israeli attacks after launching balloon or rocket, and personally evacuates routines from outposts.
Israel has closed its lone commercial crossing with Gaza and banned access to the sea, shutting down commercial fishing.
Egyptian mediators held talks in Israel and Gaza on Monday to restore calm.
Since 2007, the Gaza Strip has been under a crippling Israeli blockade that has deprived its people of vital importance, including food, fuel and medicine.
SOURCE:
Reuters news agency
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