The vicinity around Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City is enveloped in darkness as the Abu Naji family gathers in their tent by a small fire. This late hour is uncharacteristically quiet after enduring over two years of conflict, with only the occasional chirping of crickets and crackling of the flames breaking the silence. Shrouq Abu Naji hands her children a notebook to tear pages for fuel, their sole source of maintaining the meager fire.
“We have been without electricity for years,” lamented Abu Naji to CBC freelance videographer Mohamed El Saife on a recent night. Following the Hamas attacks on Israel, on October 9, 2023, the Israeli government declared a halt to electricity, water, food, and fuel supply to Gaza.
While Palestinians strive to rebuild amidst a fragile ceasefire and limited resources, teams of electrical workers have initiated efforts to restore power in sections of Gaza by repairing power lines. For the Abu Naji family residing in a tent in one of the heavily bombed areas of Gaza City, their only illumination and warmth still emanate from the nightly fire.
Abu Naji sets a pot of water on the fire for tea and lentils, offering a semblance of routine for the family that has endured the ravages of war. “We share a meal, drink tea, then retire for the night,” she described their nightly ritual.
Meanwhile, in central Gaza, the Gaza Electricity Distribution Company (GEDCO) faces challenges in reestablishing power supply. Despite electricity being available from Israel post-ceasefire and a functional power plant in Gaza City, repairs for distribution networks are imperative.
Recently, crews from the Gaza Electricity Company ventured through Deir al Balah, marking their first entry since the conflict erupted. In the relatively spared central Gaza, efforts to repair damaged power lines are underway to restore essential services to the populace.
Yasen Suwaihli supervises the maintenance work as crews engage in repairing power lines on Salah el din road to reinstate electricity supply to the power plant. However, obstacles like lack of vital equipment hinder their progress, with necessary supplies pending clearance for entry from Ramallah.
Despite the hurdles, the teams remain resolute in their mission to restore power to Gaza. Muhammad Thabet, an engineer overseeing operations in Zuwaida, emphasized the urgent need for maintenance equipment and resources to facilitate the reconstruction of power infrastructure.
Although facing challenges, the teams are determined to bring back electricity to the Gaza Strip. The severe damage to the electricity network underscores the pivotal role of power in enabling access to essential services and fostering recovery.
As night falls in Gaza City, Abu Naji tucks her children into bed as the fire dwindles, enveloping the family in darkness. Her primary concern is ensuring support for her children, who have been stripped of their rights and possessions. With a heavy heart, she bids the night goodbye as the family drifts into slumber.
