Gaza’s only power plant shut down over Israeli fuel ban
Faizel Patel – 01/09/2020
Five human rights organization have filed an urgent petition to Israel’s High Court in a bid to remove a ban on entry of fuel to Gaza, which has disabled the power plant and puts public health at risk
The petition includes affidavits attesting to the profound harm to Gaza’s residents, particularly as a result of the electricity crisis.
Gisha legal team member Muna Hadad says the measures taken by Israel deliberately harm residents of Gaza and stand in violation of Israel’s obligations under both Israeli and international law.
Hadad says they are demanding that Israel reverse all restrictions, including on entry of fuel and other goods through Kerem Shalom Crossing, a vital lifeline for Gaza’s two million residents.
“It’s causing a lot of harm and damage to the civilian population there and to the health sector and caused the only power plant to stop working. It’s very hard here and it’s the hottest summertime and people only get four hours of electricity.”
Hadad says while the Israeli court may not be their saviour, they are also very realistic about their expectations.
“Back in 2007, after the Israeli troops left Gaza, Israeli started claiming that they are no longer an occupying power and they have no responsibility over the civilian population in Gaza. So human rights organisations did petition the Supreme Court and said ‘Israel is still an occupying power and they have obligations as an occupying power towards Gaza. They were very shocked that the court was influenced by politicians and it made a really bad decision.”
Hadad also shared the deteriorating health crisis in Gaza amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Listen to the interview with Muna Hadad
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