Possible ‘humanitarian catastrophe’ in Gaza with power set to go out within hours

Government media warned that the Gaza Strip is facing an imminent humanitarian catastrophe, with the power plant shutting down completely within hours as it runs out of fuel.

In a statement issued today, authorities warned that the Strip may plunge into complete darkness, not being able to continue providing all basic life services, which all depend on electricity, and cannot even provide them partially with generators because fuel supplies are not allowed to enter through the Rafah crossing with Egypt.

It stressed that this catastrophic situation creates a humanitarian crisis for all residents of the Gaza Strip, which is exacerbated by the occupation’s continued aggression and destruction of entire residential neighbourhoods with hundreds of tonnes of explosives and the bombing of citizens’ homes while they are inside. This can be described as the worst crime of collective punishment against defenceless civilians in modern history.

READ: Israel threatens to bomb Egypt aid trucks heading to Gaza

“In the face of this reality that threatens the lives of more than 2.3 million people, we launch a very urgent appeal to the international community and its humanitarian and relief organisations to act quickly to stop this crime against humanity and this mass killing that has taken on many forms. We stress the need to provide the Gaza Strip with all means of life, and not leave its residents hostage to the killing means used by the occupation.”

The Israeli occupation imposed a comprehensive siege when it began its attack on the Gaza Strip, which included cutting off fuel, water and food. The Rafah crossing was also bombed, preventing the movement of travellers.

Israeli media reported that the occupation threatened to bomb aid trucks arriving at the Rafah land crossing via Egypt.

A source told Arabi21 yesterday that Gaza only has enough fuel to operate its electricity generators for one day.

Israeli warplanes attack the Rafah border crossing with missiles, blocking the movement of passengers from Gaza into Egypt and vice versa. pic.twitter.com/70hTAXNoOL

— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) October 10, 2023