United Nations Radio

Electricity, fuel and other supplies are running out in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has announced that fuel shipments will be resumed to the power plant in Gaza, but only at a bare minimum, according to Sami Mshasha, Director of Media and Communication of UNRWA, the UN Relief and Works Agency. The plant supplies electricity to about half a million people, mainly in the city of Gaza. Mr. Mshasha says the effects are already being felt:

"We are already receiving reports that certain bakeries cannot operate because there is no fuel to burn the ovens there. But more importantly, as you might know, electricity and fuel is essential for the work of the sewage pumps in Gaza."

Mr. Mshasha recalled what happened to a village in Gaza during a previous period of fuel shortage:

"The village flooded with sewage, killing several people and injuring others."

Mr. Mshasha says due to the closing imposed on Gaza, UNRWA will run out of food to replenish warehouses on Thursday.

Gerry Adams, United Nations.

(duration: 1'10")