European Union Continues Suspension Of Gaza Fuel Aid
The European Union has maintained its decision to withdraw funding for the territory’s only power plant, demanding a guarantee that Hamas will refrain from taxing electricity.
The European Union has until now heavily funded power within the region, which was withdrawn four days ago after a disagreement with Hamas as to the way in which the revenues from electricity are divided.
The news comes as yet another blow to the Gaza region, after its economic isolation from Israel since so-called extremists Hamas took control two months ago.
The EU, which funds fuel to drive the plant, has refused to be linked with the Hamas organisation. The Islamic group, which it considers to be on its blacklist of terrorist organisations, must agree not to generate revenue from the power supply funded by the EU, in a bid to ensure the EU does not indirectly fund the organisation.
On the fourth consecutive day without electricity, the European Union are remaining strong on their demands, refusing to commit to returning funding until they receive the reassurance they require.
Meanwhile, business in the impoverished region has been badly hit, with many forced to close in the wake of a lack of power, whilst the lucky few with electric generators are feeling the increased cost on their profit margins.
Despite the deadlock, the EU remains on standby to continue the supply ‘within a matter of hours’, should Hamas agree not to tax electricity.
Aid groups around the world have criticised the situation in Gaza, with many fearing a potential humanitarian crisis could soon be on the cards.
With the hard line approach of both Israel and the EU of recent weeks, it is the people of Gaza that are suffering as a result of the region’s economic and political problems.
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