Gaza: Continued power outages disrupt all operational sectors

With the outbreak of extermination war on Gaza in early October 2023, Israel worked to stop supplying the main power station with the fuel needed to operate it, in addition to preventing the entry of energy generation sources such as solar cells and generators, in addition to targeting citizens’ homes that have solar cells spread over their roofs to produce energy, which has perpetuated the suffering of the residents, who have suffered and continue to suffer from the consequences of the continued power outage and the lack of alternatives.

Israel continues to evade the terms of the truce agreement signed under the auspices of mediators in Gaza, where it was agreed during the truce consultations to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including providing alternative energy sources, in addition to working to supply the sector with electricity by bringing in equipment, poles and cables, but the Israeli occupation is still delaying the entry of equipment, solar panels and batteries to produce electricity.

The continued power outages and the lack of quick plans to repair the lines pose great risks to the lives of the residents of Gaza. For example, sewage water has started to flow in the streets and between citizens’ homes, after the sewage stations responsible for pumping water, re-purifying it, sterilizing it and pumping it to the beach stopped working. There are also many people with chronic diseases who need electricity and their lives are now threatened by its absence.

As the residents of Gaza City and the north returned to their homes from the south, they were confronted with the Israeli occupation’s destruction of all the power lines, poles, transformers and cables during the ground operation. There is no longer any power line fit for use. This destruction is accompanied by the occupation’s continued prevention of the entry of equipment for repairs and reconnecting the lines, in order to pressure the residents and push them to leave.

Despite repeated requests from major traders, Israel prevents the entry of at least solar cells stuck at the Gaza crossings and requires an Israeli political decision to enter them, as the entry of these shipments would partially solve the electricity problem, and facilitate the return of many medical and economic facilities and restaurants to work and provide services to citizens. Despite the state of cautious calm and the return of residents and the ctricity.