Britain criticizes Gaza power cuts - Haaretz

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Mon., February 11, 2008 Adar1 5, 5768

Israel Time: 03:06 (EST+7)

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Britain criticizes Gaza power cuts

By Haaretz Service

Britain yesterday criticized Israel's cut of 1 percent of the power it supplies to the Gaza Strip, and urged Israel to reverse the decision, which was made in the wake of rocket fire from Gaza on southern Israeli communities.

British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said in a statement that he was extremely concerned by the cut.

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"We believe that such action risks a further deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Gaza without improving the security situation. Without a steady supply of electricity, hospitals cannot function, pumping stations and sewage systems fail and access to clean water is denied," Miliband said. He urged Israel to immediately reverse its decision, "to avoid any further planned cuts and to fulfill its obligations under international law."

Miliband also condemned last Monday's suicide bombing in Dimona, and called on all Palestinian factions to stop attacks, "including rocket attacks, against innocent civilians."

Last month, Miliband met with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in London. Following their meeting, Miliband called for Israeli restraint and said that the international community had a role to play in calming tensions in the region. "Political negotiations must be twinned with practical change on the ground," Miliband said, adding that the Gazans were enduring "unbearable deprivation."

Meretz Chair MK Yossi Beilin also criticized the power cut to Gaza, maintaining it would not decrease the rocket fire, but instead increase hatred of Israel, strengthen Hamas and hurt Israel's image internationally.

Beilin, speaking at the Tel Aviv Museum, called on the government to consider reaching a cease-fire with Hamas, instead of "stupid acts," as he called the power cut.

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