Written answers since the last FCO questions have elicited the answer (see below) that ministers are “deeply concerned by the chronic humanitarian situation in Gaza, which has been exacerbated by recent severe weather, leading to significant flooding and property damage. Widespread flooding has necessitated the evacuation of hundreds of families in Gaza…..Heavy rain and snow in Gaza has led to widespread flooding and power cuts. Electricity feeder lines from Egypt and Israel were damaged on 12 December and, although they have been mostly repaired, subsequent bad weather has continued to damage the domestic network and electricity supply. On 16 December, following a Qatari donation to the Palestinian Authority to fund the purchase of fuel for Gaza, the Gaza power plant restarted partial operations for the first time since 1 November.”
They have also elicited the fact that the blockade of Gaza and the occupation of the West Bank “have been estimated as costing the Palestinian economy up to 85% of its Gross Domestic Product every year”.
Palestine Briefing 