Gaza Strip Plunged into Darkness as Israel Halts Electricity Supply for 17 Months
The decision to stop the supply of electricity to the Gaza Strip by Tel Aviv has raised concerns and questions about the reasons behind this move. The Gaza Strip, which has been plunged into darkness for 17 months as part of the genocide implemented by Tel Aviv, is now facing a severe energy crisis.
Experts believe that the decision to cut off electricity in Gaza is a tactic by the Tel Aviv government to exert pressure on Hamas during negotiations for a prisoner exchange. However, this decision has had devastating effects on the lives of Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel has cut off approximately 120 megawatts of electricity that was being supplied to Gaza since October 2023. In addition, they have also prevented the supply of essential materials, including fuel to the electrical power plants since March 9th. Palestinians in Gaza had resorted to using solar panels as an alternative source of electricity during the 17-month long genocide, but Israel deliberately targeted these panels as well.
Before the attacks began on October 7th, the Gaza Strip was facing a daily energy deficit of 288 megawatts, with only 212 megawatts of electricity being generated locally. The Palestinian Development and Investment Company (Padico) had launched a project called “Energy Umudu” to provide an additional 50 megawatts of electricity from solar energy, but the project was also affected by the attacks.
The damage caused by the genocide is severe, with 70 percent of the distribution networks in the Gaza Strip being destroyed, along with warehouses, distribution mechanisms, and equipment. The ongoing power outage has also led to the collapse of water and sewage systems, causing the spread of infectious diseases.
The closure of border gates has prevented the entry of fuel required for hospitals to operate their generators, leading to disruptions in healthcare services. Schools have also been affected, with disruptions in education due to electricity and infrastructure problems.
Despite the ceasefire in January, Israel continues to keep the border gates closed, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This decision to cut off electricity has further worsened the already dire situation in the region, affecting the daily lives of Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen recently announced the decision to immediately interrupt electricity supply to the Gaza Strip, further worsening the situation for the people living there.
