JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli military experts have formulated a plan to gradually cut off electricity and fuel to the Gaza Strip in response to ongoing rocket fire from the Palestinian area, defense officials said Wednesday.
Israel provides more than half of Gaza's electricity, and any power cutoff is sure to make life more difficult for residents of the already impoverished territory. The move is also certain to draw harsh international condemnation.
The plan was formulated by a team headed by Matan Vilnai, Israel's deputy defense minister, and is expected to be approved by Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Thursday, the Israeli officials said. But it is not yet clear when the decision would take effect, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to divulge details of the planned cutoff to the press.
"It's clear that we have to cut off ... the supply of electricity and the supply of fuel," Vilnai told Army Radio. "We will dramatically reduce the flow of electricity from Israel over several weeks."
Israel's government last month declared Gaza a "hostile territory," clearing the way for Israel to impose sanctions. That decision followed the June takeover of the territory by the Islamic militants of Hamas and constant rocket fire by Gaza militants at towns in southern Israel.
Israel has severely restricted the flow of cargo and people through Gaza's borders since its seizure by Hamas, which Israel, the U.S. and the European Union consider a terrorist group.
Alaa Araj, an economic adviser to Gaza's Hamas government, said the Israeli measure was a violation of human rights that would hurt the entire population.
"Society will be drawn into darkness and daily life will be crippled," Araj said.
Israel can expect international criticism if it moves ahead with the move.
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Yes - well -- 2 things:
1 - Israel can expect international criticism no matter WHAT they do.
2 - Knock off with the "ongoing rocket fire" and maybe your society won't be "drawn into darkness", you cretinous terrorist jackass.


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