Turkish delegation visits Gaza to discuss power crisis

By Ola Atallah and Mohamed Majed

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – A Turkish delegation of top energy official arrived in Israel-blockaded Gaza Strip on Monday to discuss solutions for a decade-long electricity crisis in the Palestinian territory.

The 4-strong delegation crossed into Gaza via the Erez crossing for talks with their Palestinian counterparts, Ghazi Hamad, Gaza’s foreign ministry undersecretary, said.

“The delegation will discuss solutions and necessary mechanisms for fulfilling Gaza’s energy needs,” he told Anadolu Agency.

On Sunday, a Turkish technical delegation held talks with Palestinian energy officials to discuss ways of solving Gaza’s power crisis.

“The delegation’s visit is part of Turkey’s efforts to provide solutions for the energy crisis in the Palestinian territory,” Ahmed Abu al-Amreen, spokesman for the Gaza Energy Authority, said.

Last month, Turkey provided 15 tons of fuel with a view of operating Gaza’s power plant.

Gaza – which needs 400 megawatts of electricity -- continues to suffer from a severe power crisis that has forced local authorities to adopt a rotation system, cutting power from some areas in order to supply electricity to other areas.

Israel provides 120 megawatts of electricity to the Gaza Strip, while Egypt provides 32 megawatts. Gaza’s power plant provides only 60 megawatts, according to the Palestinian Energy Authority figures.