Israel authorized the delivery of half a million liters of diesel fuel to Gaza. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – The electricity shortage crisis in Gaza is nearing an end after Israel on Wednesday authorized the delivery of half a million liters of diesel fuel needed to operate the turbines at the lone power station in the Hamas-ruled Palestinian coastal enclave.

The chairman of the Palestinian Energy Authority in Gaza told Palestinian media that the power station will still be unable to produce a steady flow of electricity, and that instead of power outages of 12-20 hours a day, electricity will be provided for eight hours and then turned off for eight hours.

The long power outages have sparked a public outcry in Gaza. Hundreds of protesters this week burned images of Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas and blamed the PA for the energy crisis. Hamas, however, was also the target of criticism, despite the fact that anti-Hamas demonstrations in Gaza have been outlawed by the terrorist organization.