Government to review Gaza power supply reductions

Defence Minister Ehud Barak is due to meet with Attorney-General Menachem Mazuz today in order to review the legal aspects of the decision to begin scaling back fuel supplies to the Gaza Strip, in response to the failure of the Hamas-led rulers of the Strip to make any attempt to act against the recent increase in Qassam rockets launched at communities in the western Negev. As approved by Defence Minister Barak, Israel yesterday began to supply only 300,000 litres of petrol, instead of 450,000 supplied so far. Supplies of diesel fuel were cut in similar proportions. Supplies of industrial fuel, however, were not cut, so the sanctions will not impact on Gaza's electricity supply. Israeli officials made clear that essential services, hospitals and sewage plants will not be affected by the sanctions. Nevertheless, an organisation representing Arab Israelis petitioned the High Court, questioning the legality of the decision, and hence the issue is now under legal review.

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