After Gaza’s sole power-plant was shut down due to Hamas’ refusal to purchase fuel, PA President Mahmoud Abbas informed Israel he is stopping all payments for electricity that enters Gaza if Hamas does not yield some of its political control over Gaza to the Palestinian Authority.

By ADAM RASGON

PA President Mahmoud Abbas has warned over the past two weeks that he will take “unprecedented measures,” if Hamas does not concede some of its control over Gaza to the PA.

Fatah’s Mahmoud Abbas (L) & Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh (R) – Google Images

The Palestinian Authority informed Israel that it is stopping all payments for electricity that enters Gaza through 10 electrical lines, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories said on Thursday.

PA President Mahmoud Abbas has warned over the past two weeks that he will take “unprecedented measures,” if Hamas does not concede some of its control over Gaza to the PA.

Gaza electricity crisis deepens as sole power plant shuts down
Senior IDF officer: Gaza shortages might lead to confrontation with Hamas

Hamas has said that it will not give in to “the threats” of the PA president.

The electrical lines entering Gaza from Israel account for some 120-125 megawatts, more than half of Gaza’s current electrical output. An electrical line from Egypt provides 27 megawatts and a power station, when fueled, delivers between 60-80 megawatts. The power station has not been working for almost two weeks for lack of fuel. Gaza needs a total of 420 megawatts.

Electricity transfered to the Palestinians – Photo: IsraelandStuff/PP

Without the 10 electrical lines from Israel functioning, Gaza will almost certainly face a major electricity crisis.

Amid an electricity crisis in January, Turkey and Qatar sent millions of dollars and liters of fuel to power Gaza’s power plant. It is not clear if Turkey, Qatar, or other members of the international community will send aid to power the strip.

View original The Jerusalem Post publication at:
http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Palestinian-Authority-says-stopping-Gaza-electricity-payments-to-Israel-489106