Ending Israeli blockade of Gaza

The overall situation of Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip is not promising. They are struggling to meet the necessities of their daily living. This situation cannot go on endlessly as this is a dire humanitarian situation that needs to be addressed with urgency and immediacy.

A recent agreement between the Hamas government and the Palestinian National Authority has brought an end to a severe fuel shortage in Gaza.

A total of 430,000 litres of fuel will be provided for the sole power plant in the Strip, according to a Palestinian official. Previously, people in Gaza were dependent on fuel being smuggled from Egypt as there were many restrictions on purchasing it from Israel and at a higher price.

The issue of fuel shortages has had a severe impact on the daily lives of ordinary people. Power would be cut off for months, forcing households to either live in the dark or depend on candles at night. Hence, the power shortage is reflective of a greater struggle.

Gaza cannot be made to exist in isolation with thousands of Palestinians being held hostage to a harsh Israeli policy. Is it not time for an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza?