Israel Radio Carries Report Criticizing Decision to Cut Gaza Power Supply

Oct 28, 06:03 AM

Current Headlines: Text of report by Israel radio on 28 October

Peace Now Secretary General Yariv Oppenheimer criticized the defence minister's decision to impose sanctions on the Gaza Strip, saying that no democratic state can allow itself to adopt such measures.

Speaking to Network B this morning, Oppenheimer said that cutting off electricity to the Gaza Strip constitutes collective punishment that will not prevent the firing of rockets and only play into the hands of Hamas.

Oppenheimer sent a letter to Defence Minister Ehud Baraq protesting the decision, and called for a dialogue with Gaza Strip elements as well.

The attorney general and defence officials will this morning discuss the implementation of the decision to gradually reduce the power supply to the Gaza Strip. The defence establishment has already started reducing the quantities of fuel to the Gaza Strip.

The IDF also intends to close the Sufa checkpoint and increase the use of the Kerem Shalom checkpoint.

Originally published by Voice of Israel, Jerusalem, in Hebrew 0600 28 Oct 07.

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