Israel cuts Gaza power

THE ISRAELI security cabinet has approved a 40% reduction in Israel’s electricity supply to the besieged Gaza Strip, where Palestinians are already coping with a crippling power crisis and daily blackouts, according to Israeli media.

While Gaza’s electricity company said it had not received an official order regarding the impending power cut, it called on Palestinians in Gaza to prepare for the worst, while human rights groups urged Israel to reconsider the move – expected to have immediate disastrous effects on the medical sector in particular.

The approval came after Israeli authorities announced plans to make the cuts last month.