Press Release: Norwegian Refugee Council Highlights Urgent Energy Crisis in Gaza
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has issued a dire warning about the "deliberate denial of energy access" in Gaza, emphasizing that the ongoing energy crisis exacerbates humanitarian needs in the war-torn region. A report released on Monday underscores the critical situation facing Gaza’s 2.1 million residents, many of whom are without electricity due to the blockade imposed by Israel in its conflict with Hamas.
As Israel halted the entry of essential supplies—including food, water, and fuel—since March, the humanitarian crisis has escalated. NRC’s Executive Director, Benedicte Giaever, stated, "In Gaza, energy is not about convenience – it’s about survival," highlighting the immediate consequences of limited electricity for cooking, medical care, and access to clean water.
Healthcare facilities are severely impacted, with emergency surgeries delayed and vital equipment like ventilators and dialysis machines rendered inoperative. The lack of electricity has also crippled desalination efforts, leaving 70% of households without access to clean water. Additionally, NRC cautions that the energy crisis has heightened risks of gender-based violence, particularly after dark.
NRC Secretary General Jan Egeland remarked on the chronic cycle of conflict and deprivation in Gaza, describing the current crisis as a "new depth of despair" that threatens both immediate survival and long-term recovery. The organization is urging the international community to prioritize energy access in humanitarian responses.
Amid the escalating humanitarian disaster, reports indicate that hundreds have died attempting to secure basic necessities. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported at least 39 fatalities and over 317 injuries in just one day. UN humanitarian officials have condemned the violence, with Jonathan Whittall warning that the act of seeking food is met with lethal force.
The NRC calls for immediate international action to restore energy access in Gaza and address the pressing humanitarian needs of its people.
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