Urgent Call for Energy Access in Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has issued a critical warning regarding the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing that the "deliberate denial of energy access" significantly undermines essential human needs in the region. With the ongoing conflict, the lack of reliable energy sources poses a severe threat to the survival of the people in war-torn Gaza.
According to a report released by the NRC, the absence of electricity and fuel is exacerbating the already dire conditions faced by the population. This alert comes amidst Israel’s blockade, which has restricted the entry of vital supplies such as food, water, and fuel since March, putting millions at risk of famine and further limiting electricity availability. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that 2.1 million individuals in Gaza currently lack access to power.
Benedicte Giaever, executive director of NORCAP (a part of NRC), emphasized the critical nature of energy in Gaza, stating, "Energy is not about convenience – it’s about survival." She highlighted the immediate and devastating consequences faced by families unable to cook, hospitals left in darkness, and water pumps that are no longer operational. "The international community must prioritize energy in all humanitarian efforts," she urged.
The NRC report also points out the severe impact on healthcare facilities due to power shortages. Emergency surgeries have been postponed, and vital medical equipment such as ventilators, incubators, and dialysis machines are rendered useless without electricity. Additionally, the lack of power has severely affected Gaza’s desalination facilities, leaving approximately 70% of households without access to clean water. Many families are resorting to burning plastic or debris for cooking, further endangering their health.
The report also underscores the increased risks of gender-based violence after dark, intensifying the plight of vulnerable populations. NRC Secretary General Jan Egeland stated, "For too long, the people of Gaza have endured cycles of conflict, blockade, and deprivation. The current crisis marks a new level of despair, threatening both immediate survival and long-term recovery and development." He called on the international community to prioritize energy access for the people of Gaza.
Amid this humanitarian catastrophe, reports indicate that hundreds have been killed by Israeli military actions while they sought food and essential supplies from aid stations established by the Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The latest update from the Health Ministry in Gaza indicates that at least 39 bodies were recovered in the last 24 hours, with over 317 individuals wounded. Since the easing of the total blockade last month, more than 400 people have reportedly lost their lives while trying to access food distribution points.
Jonathan Whittall, the UN’s top humanitarian official in the occupied Palestinian territory, expressed grave concerns about the escalating crisis. "We are witnessing a chilling pattern of Israeli forces opening fire on crowds gathering for food," he stated. "The struggle for survival is being met with a death sentence."
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, urgent action is required to ensure access to energy and essential services for the population. The call for support from the international community has never been more critical.
