Gaza braces itself for winter as fuel crisis worsens

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

As winter approaches, the power and fuel crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, signalling an escalation of the humanitarian catastrophe in the besieged enclave. The Palestinians trapped in the blockaded territory anticipate yet more suffering because of the siege, fuel shortages and electricity blackout. Comments are now being heard criticising Arab countries deemed to be responsible for neglecting the Palestinian cause.

In a public demonstration of the seriousness of their plight, some children are using candles to keep warm and to provide light for them to study in Gaza City’s central Al-Joundi Al-Majhoul Square. Banners urge people of conscience around the world to intervene and end their suffering. Due to fuel shortages, Gaza only has 6 hours of electricity a day, at best.

According to the Director of Information at the Gaza Energy Authority, power cuts are unavoidable at this difficult time. Ahmad Abu Al-Amrain warned that power supplies might be reduced even further to just 4 hours a day in the winter months, which can bring severe weather to the coastal Strip. “We are working with the Energy Authority in Ramallah and other agencies, including Egyptian and Israeli energy suppliers, to solve the problem,” he said.

MEMO Photographer: Mohammed Asad

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