Gaza´s power plant stops functioning

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-21-2008 13:31

Gaza's main electrical plant has shut down after Israel blocked the shipment of fuel that powers it.

The sun sets behind the main Palestinian electricity  company  in the central Gaza Strip. (AFP/Said Khatib)

This is the scene after Gaza's main power plant stopped functioning.

John Ging, Head of UN Relief & Work Agency in Gaza, said, "And that has plummeted the Gaza city which is 600 thousand people into darkness."

The UN relief agency has also warned of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which is home to one and a half million people.

Residents have rushed to stock up on basic food for a possible shortage.

Long lines formed, but supplies soon ran out.

Gaza Resident, said, "I came here to buy bread, but there isn't any bread here or in any of the other bakeries."

The situation at hospitals is even worse.

Palestinian hospital officials say if the power supply is not reconnected in the next few hours, patients will start to die.

Gas stations have been closed down because of Israeli cuts in petrol and diesel delivery.

Other residents in Gaza suffer not only from the fuel shortage, but also from the closure itself.

Israel sealed all border crossings into Gaza last week and cut off fuel, because of a surge in rocket attacks aimed at southern Israel by Palestinian militant groups.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei