EU expresses worries over humanitarian situation in Gaza

The European Union (EU) on Thursday expressed its "deep concern" over the humanitarian consequences of the Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.

"The latest events are heaping new misery on a population that is already suffering," said Louis Michel, the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Development, in a statement.

According the Michel, the loss of electricity supplies to around 600,000 people is particularly serious, because of the knock-on effects on other sectors.

"A lot of people rely on electric pumps for their water and without this basic commodity, humanitarian needs are likely to increase very rapidly. Water shortages threaten the health of the population, especially children, the elderly and pregnant women," he said.

Staff of the European Commission (EC)'s Humanitarian Aid department based in the region are closely monitoring the situation and are reporting on the growing needs.

The Israeli troops are waging military operations in the Gaza area to press for the release of an Israeli solider captured by Palestinian militants during a predawn attack on outpost near Gaza border on Sunday

According to the EC, the EU's executive arm, the power cuts have been caused by the destruction of six transformers at the Nuseirat power station, which will take several months to replace. The alternative is to connect the affected households to the Israeli grid, but there are doubts over capacity. If Israel is unable or unwilling to establish this connection, acute water supply problems are likely to happen very soon. Pumps are used to extract water from the aquifers.

As the Gaza Strip is fully enclosed for the time being, water, food, medical supplies (including essential drugs) and fuel cannot be brought in.

According to the EC, with more than 70 percent of the Gaza population already in a situation of food insecurity, stocks will quickly run out. The four main flour mills in the Gaza Strip have around 25 days supply available, but World Food Programme stocks amount only to around 10 days supply.

Since the Palestinian uprising in September 2000, the EC has granted 191 million euros (239 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian aid for the Palestinians. This aid has financed more than 400 humanitarian projects by the EC's operational partners.

"To reach the people in need, they need a minimum of access and security. Therefore I renew my appeal to all parties to facilitate the humanitarian tasks," added Michel.

Source: Xinhua