Gaza spends 2nd night in dark

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-22-2008 13:36

Despite the temporary opening of the Gaza crossings, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have suffered a second night without electricity.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have suffered a second night without electricity.(CCTV.com)

Meanwhile, the Israeli blockade has been criticized across Europe.

Candles light up Gaza, not just because of the blackout from the Israeli fuel blockade, but also to highlight the protest against the Israeli action over the past two days.

Residents in the West Bank have joined the demonstrations, to show their solidarity with Gazans despite the internal conflict between Hamas and Fatah since last June.

Israel has closed passages to Gaza which provide food and fuel supplies to the Hamas-run enclave. Most families have had to spend the winter night with no electricity or heating.

International aid to the Gaza Strip has also been blocked. A UN agency said it had two months' worth of supplies stored in Gaza.

Chistopher Cunness, Spokesman for Unrwa, said, "We don't have enough nylon for plastic bags to distribute off food. We have food parcels which need a lot of nylon and plastic. We also have a shortage of fuel which means that by about Wednesday/Thursday, in 48 hours' time, we are going to suspend our food distribution programmes to about 860,000 people in the Gaza Strip."