IDF allows transfer of medical equipment into Gaza
Following request from World Health Organization, 70 kilograms of medications, anesthetics and antibiotics brought into Strip. Meanwhile, Israeli power fuel supply to Gaza reduced; Palestinians prepare for eight-hour power cuts a day
Following a request from the World Health Organization, about 70 kilograms (154 pounds) of medical equipment were brought into the Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza. The equipment included medications, anesthetics and antibiotics.
Officials at the District Coordination Office (DCO) at the Erez Crossing clarified that all requests linked to the transfer of humanitarian equipment into Gaza are examined in a rapid procedure and are mostly approved. Palestinian patients are also allowed to leave the Strip for medical treatment in Israeli hospitals.
Israeli sources explained that each request approved by security officials is executed shortly afterwards.
According to sources involved in the matter, the military operation against terror organizations in Gaza will not disrupt Israel's desire to aid the Palestinian population with humanitarian issues. Medications, medical equipment and basic food products continue to be brought into the Strip through the different crossings.
"We are constantly acting on this issue. Unfortunately, those who try to thwart this are the terror organizations, which bomb the crossings in a cynical manner and prevent the Palestinian population from receiving this important equipment."
Meanwhile, Israel has limited its fuel supply to Gaza, as part of a government decision, which is not expected to harm the transfer of humanitarian equipment into the Strip.
The Palestinian electricity company is preparing to reduce the power supply to Gaza's residents and to increase the number of systematic and controlled power cuts to different areas in the Strip. Gaza receives its power supply from a local power station, from Egypt and from Israel.
Nowadays, most areas in the Strip experience power cuts for about two hours a day. Palestinian Authority officials fear that the Israeli actions may lead to longer power cuts of about eight hours a day.
The Palestinian electricity in the Strip has announced that it plans to build a clear timetable for the power supply to the different areas, after the designated amount of fuel to each area is reduced from 450 liters to 250 liters.
Ali Waked contributed to this report
