Introduction
Daily power outages, frequent disruptions to water supply, raw sewage flowing into the sea, hospitals dependent on decrepit generators - all these things have become a normal part of daily life in the Gaza Strip in recent years.
Since 2007, Israel has limited the amount of fuel entering the Gaza Strip and has blocked the import of building materials and most kinds of goods, in an attempt to exert pressure on the Strip's Hamas government. The restrictions on the import of industrial diesel have caused chronic power shortages in Gaza, since they force the Gaza power station, which is supposed to supply one-third of the Strip's electricity, to limit its electricity output and sometimes to shut down altogether. The frequent blackouts caused by the shortage prevent the water, sewage and healthcare systems, which are dependent on an uninterrupted supply of electricity, from serving the needs of the residents and impact negatively on their daily lives. In addition, the restrictions on the import of regular diesel prevent these vital institutions fro using generators as an alternative to the unreliable electricity supply. Restrictions on the import of spare parts and building materials likewise hamper the ongoing maintenance, repair and development of infrastructure.