Last update - 02:15 20/08/2007
Gaza power plant shuts down amid shortage
By Reuters
Gaza's main power plant shut down operations yesterday after it said it had depleted its fuel reserves despite a pledge from Israel to resume deliveries that were halted late last week.
Israel opened the Nahal Oz crossing on the border of central Gaza to allow fuel into the territory, which Hamas took over in June. Power plant officials said the private Israeli energy company Dor Alon has yet to deliver any fuel.
The firm said the disruption was because of a decision by the European Union, which refused to pay for yesterday's shipment. The EU has a program that funds fuel for the plant and requires its monitors to oversee shipments made through Israel.
Since Hamas's takeover, Israel, the Western-backed Palestinian leadership in the West Bank and international powers have all but sealed off the enclave, except for humanitarian supplies.