Israel to reduce electricity supply to Gaza

Israel says it will reduce the electricity supply to Gaza after officials in the Palestinian government in the West Bank said payments would be scaled back.

Israel says it will reduce the electricity supply to Gaza after officials in the Palestinian government in the West Bank said payments would be scaled back.

Palestinian school children do their homework on candle light during a power cut in Gaza City on March 27, 2012. A political fight between Egypt, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority is to blame for fuel shortages that have led to a major electricity crisis in Gaza. (AFP/Getty Images File)

Maj Gen Yoav Mordechai of the Israeli defense body COGAT, said on Thursday the move is due to “internal problems” between Gaza’s Hamas rulers and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. He did not say when electricity would be reduced.

Abbas has threatened to exert financial pressure on Hamas, his main political rival, and Palestinian officials said earlier this month payments would stop.

The Islamic militant group seized Gaza in 2007, driving out Abbas’ forces.

Gaza has suffered increasing hardship since the Hamas takeover, which triggered a border blockade by Israel and Egypt.

Gazans endure long power cuts, with electricity now available for four hours a day.