Politics
22:16, 21-Feb-2018
Gaza declares state of emergency due to sharp aid cuts
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The Gaza municipality on Wednesday declared a state of emergency, citing reduced services caused by resource shortages and foreign aid cuts.
"Much of financial aid has been cut, which has halted basic services linked to fuel and sanitation," Mayor of Gaza Nizar Hejazi said at a press conference.
The entire coast will be closed and untreated wastewater will be pumped into the sea because of power failures, Hejazi noted.
Palestinian children are seen by the Mediterranean sea coast in Beit Lahya in the northern Gaza strip, February 6, 2018. /VCG Photo
Palestinian children are seen by the Mediterranean sea coast in Beit Lahya in the northern Gaza strip, February 6, 2018. /VCG Photo
The economic deterioration in Gaza has made residents unable to pay the bills, which, in turn, has impacted the municipality's ability to pay workers' salaries, he added.
Hejazi demanded that the Palestinian Authority abide by their responsibility for the besieged coastal enclave.
According to a recent UN report, 110 million liters of raw or partially treated sewage is poured into Gaza's sea daily, as a result of long power outages.
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency