Darkness falls on Gaza

Updated 23.54 Sun Jan 20 2008
Keywords: Israel, Gaza

The only electrical plant in Gaza has shut down after running out of fuel, plunging the city into darkness.

Vendors were seen plying their trade by candlelight, while Gazans rushed to stock up on food and supplies.

Vendors were seen plying their trade by candlelight, while Gazans rushed to stock up on food and supplies

Israel sealed all crossings into Gaza last week because of a spike in rocket barrages, cutting off fuel. It supplies two-thirds of the Gaza's power, but says the country still has sufficient fuel stocks.

A UN agency and human rights groups condemned the country, but Israel said they should direct their criticism at Palestinian militant groups that fire rockets at southern Israel every day.

The military says over 200 rockets have hit Israel from Gaza since an Israeli operation against militants on Tuesday which left 18 Palestinians dead.

Israeli ministers decided to maintain the border closure for the time being, but Hamas said its attacks on Israel would not cease because of the sanctions.

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