Gaza electricity crisis needs political decisions from unity government

Although the electricity crisis in the Gaza Strip needs political decisions to be taken by the Palestinian unity government, the head of Qatar’s National Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza said that his country is working to solve the issue. Ambassador Mohamed Al-Emadi told Al-Aqsa TV on Wednesday, that he has called on the Palestinian government to grant the enclave an exemption from fuel taxes.

Talks on building an alternative line to supply the Gaza power plant with gas will take place next week, he said. Qatar is planning to start the reconstruction process as soon as possible.

Emadi revealed that he will visit Ramallah next week to meet with Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and government officials to discuss the crises in the Gaza Strip and try to reach an understanding to end the suffering of the Palestinians there.

The ambassador said that Qatar is going to provide 70 per cent of the materials needed to rebuild Gaza. The materials have started to enter the Gaza Strip and a breakthrough in reconstruction is expected. “Through our projects we aim not only to rebuild the Gaza Strip but also to provide employment for the people there to support their families,” he added. “We will not use foreign construction companies.”

According to Emadi, the Qatari committee that he heads has completed the construction of 1,050 housing units in Hamad Town as well as other major projects and roads; it will start to build another 2,000 housing units soon. He pointed out that the committee will also support the Palestinian agricultural sector in the next phase of reconstruction in the coastal territory.