ورقة حقائق صادرة عن منظمات المساعدات الإنسانية حول الأوضاع الإنسانية في قطاع غزة | كانون الثاني/يناير 2008

On Friday 18 January, 2008, following a surge in conflict between the IDF and Palestinian militants affecting civilians on both sides, Israel closed all crossings from Israel into Gaza, cutting it off from all supplies of food, medicine and fuel including humanitarian aid. The blockade which lasted until January 22 deprived Gaza’s power station of fuel, forcing it to cease operation. The resulting power cuts of around twelve hours per day put immense pressure on civilians and hindered the provision of public services, particularly in health, food aid and water and sanitation. On January 23, militants destroyed large parts of the border wall between Rafah and Egypt, allowing large numbers of Gazans to cross into Egypt.