We have urged the Government of Israel to ensure that, in line with their own public commitments, their actions do not result in an humanitarian crisis in Gaza. For example the Foreign Secretary and I issued a statement on 8 February expressing our grave concern over the fuel situation. We also fully support the EU presidency statement in April urging “regular and unrestricted delivery of fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip in order not to aggravate further the humanitarian situation”. We are conscious that Palestinian militants have deliberately also aggravated the humanitarian situation, including through the attacks on the Nahal Oz and Kerem Shalom crossings. We condemn such actions, which can only lead to more misery for the people of Gaza. The violence needs to stop and basic humanitarian supplies, including fuel, should be allowed in and properly distributed to those who need them.
There is a shortage of all types of fuel in Gaza. At present, Gaza experiences about six to eight hours of daily power cuts. Power cuts paralyse daily life and stop essential services, including health care, being delivered effectively. Fuel supply to the Gaza power plant is sourced by the European Commission and delivered directly, and has not been affected by the association's strike. The Israeli authorities only allow delivery of about 2.2 million litres of the 3.5 million litres that the power plant needs to operate at full capacity. The UK has given £15 million to the EC's Temporary International Mechanism and £15.45 to its successor PEGASE for basic services to ordinary Palestinians, including delivery of fuel to the Gaza power plant.