UNRWA calls for the unimpeded entry of vital goods into Gaza

UNRWA calls for the unimpeded entry of vital goods into Gaza

• 2020-08-25 15:42:07
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The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) called on Tuesday to ensure the unimpeded entry of all vital goods into the Gaza Strip, including fuel, to operate the power plant.

UNRWA expressed, in a press release, of its grave concern over the suspension of the only power station in Gaza from work since last Tuesday, due to the occupation’s preventing the supply of fuel needed to operate it.

UNRWA indicated that the suspension of the power plant caused a decrease in the energy supply from two to three hours per day, followed by 20 hours of interruption in the Gaza Strip.

She said, "Poor energy nutrition will negatively affect the well-being and safety of Gaza residents, as it will have devastating effects on vital services in the Strip, including hospitals, which endangers the lives and health of nearly two million people, including 1.4 million refugees."

"Under international humanitarian law, the passage of all relief shipments, in this case fuel for electricity, should not be prevented," she added.

The Director of UNRWA Operations in Gaza, Matthias Shamali, called on all parties concerned to maintain adequate electrical supplies to meet the basic needs of the civilian population in Gaza.

Moreover, UNRWA has expressed concern over other measures seen as punitive to the civilian population, such as the fishing ban off the coast of the Gaza Sea, in addition to the escalating tensions and military activities.

Shamali stressed that "all parties must show utmost restraint and protect the civilian population, with full respect for their dignity and human rights."

Last week, the occupation closed the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing with the Gaza Strip, except for the entry of humanitarian aid in response to the launching of incendiary balloons from the Gaza Strip into the south of its territory.

This prompted the Energy Authority in Gaza to announce that the power plant, with its full production capacity, would cease to operate as a result of the occupation stopping the supply of fuel needed to operate the plant.