Gaza Electricity Distribution Company's (GEDCO) spokesperson warned that a total blackout could take place within days in the Gaza Strip if no new fuel is brought in to power the last remaining turbine at Gaza's power plant. "The currently available quantities of fuel can help us generate electricity for two or three days maximum," said Mohamed Thabeth, spokesperson for GEDCO, at a news conference held on Monday in Gaza. The fuel currently being used in Gaza has been diverted from private companies, according to the Palestinian Energy Authority and GEDCO. Thabeth has called on Israel to open the Karam Abu Salem border crossing in order to allow the entry of fuel into the Strip. "[A blackout] would affect life in Gaza, especially the medical sector. We're talking about dialysis machines, medical imaging equipment, ventilators and intensive care units. The water sector will also be affected too, all vital facilities will," said Thabeth. GEDCO said that their preliminary estimate of losses due to the Israeli assault on Gaza has reached $8 million. Thabet also said that due to the Israelis shelling roads, the company's crews cannot reach certain regions. GEDCO is tasked with distributing electrical energy to all areas under the control of the Palestinian Authority. The responsibilities of GEDCO are bill collections, technical supervision, maintenance work, and improvement of the supply system of the low voltage (0.4 KV) and the medium voltage network (22 kv).
