On the dimly lit street by Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City, the Abu Naji family gathers in their tent next to a small fire. The night is unusually quiet after years of conflict, with only the chirping of crickets and crackling of the flames breaking the silence. Shrouq Abu Naji hands her children a notebook to tear pages for fuel, as they have been without electricity for an extended period.
Following Hamas attacks on Israel, the Israeli government announced a cessation of electricity, water, food, and fuel supply to Gaza on October 9, 2023. Despite the challenges faced by Palestinians in rebuilding their lives post-ceasefire, efforts are underway to restore power in parts of Gaza. The Abu Naji family, residing in a heavily bombarded area, continues to rely on a nightly fire for warmth and light.
Amidst the struggle, the Gaza Electricity Distribution Company is working tirelessly to reestablish power supply despite facing obstacles such as lack of essential tools due to border closures. Repair crews have begun addressing damaged power lines in different areas, aiming to bring back electricity to the region.
Yasen Suwaihli oversees the repair work in central Gaza, where men are engaged in maintenance tasks on power lines. The restoration process includes fixing destroyed power lines to reconnect power to essential facilities. However, delays in acquiring necessary equipment from outside Gaza have hindered progress at times.
The challenges persist, with the company highlighting the urgent need for maintenance equipment to support the restoration efforts. Muhammad Thabet, an engineer on-site, emphasizes the importance of electricity in ensuring access to basic necessities like water, food, and healthcare. Despite the hurdles, the teams remain committed to restoring power to the Gaza Strip.
As Abu Naji tucks her children into bed in the fading firelight, her primary concern is their well-being. She reflects on the hardships her children have endured, expressing hope for support in their plight. The night falls, enveloping the family in darkness as they drift off to sleep, awaiting a brighter tomorrow.