'Financing secured to hook Gaza to Egypt's electricity grid'

[Scurrilous]

Palestinian Authority says it intends to connect more areas of Palestinian enclave to Egypt's electricity network; Hamas welcomes proposal

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3511497,00.html

<snip>

"The Palestinian government plans to connect more areas of the Gaza Strip to the Egyptian electricity grid, the head of the Palestinian Energy Authority said Tuesday, a move that would reduce the area's reliance on Israel for power.

The proposal also would bolster Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' claim to represent Gaza, which was taken over last June by the Hamas militant group after routing Abbas' forces. Abbas now rules from the West Bank and wields little control over Gaza.

Abbas' energy chief, Omar Qattaneh, said the authority has secured financing from the Islamic Development Bank in Saudi Arabia for the $32 million project, which would be able to distribute up to 250 megawatts, or a large part of the area's needs. He said bids would be published in the coming days, and the project could be completed in 12 to 18 months.

It was not clear whether Egypt could provide this much electricity. There was no immediate comment from Egypt. Israeli defense officials also were not immediately available for comment."

[pelsar]

1. now thats good news.....

small steps in the right direction...real use of saudi arabian money......

[breakaleg]

2. Anything to absolve Israel of their responsibility. nt

[pelsar]

3. actually...

its just good for the Palestinians....i did notice however that many prefer that the Palestinians suffer as long as one can blame israel.....that seems to be more important for some....

[Behind the Aegis]

4. Pathetic.

[LeftishBrit]

6. You don't think Egypt might also take some responsibility?

So long as the Palestinians get their electricity, why does it matter where they get it from?

[LeftishBrit]

5. Good idea!

Hope it works out.