The agreement reached among Delek company, the Qatari government, and others to install a gas supply system in Gaza Strip proves that Israel acknowledges Hamas as a partner.
Qatar and the Palestinian Authority (PA) will jointly purchase the gas from the Leviathan gas field.
Qatar will further fund the pipeline from the Israeli side, while the European Union (EU) will handle the costs of installing the pipeline from the borderline with Israel to the power station in the Strip.
The Israeli cabinet has approved the deal.
In further detail, Qatar and the PA pay $20 million for operating the power station that provides 180 megawatts. However, when it comes to gas, they will pay $15 million, generating 400 megawatts.
The gas from Israel will resolve the electricity crisis, bringing light to the whole Stirp.
Israel will not pay a single dollar from its pocket; in fact, it will get revenues from the Delek company taxes.
Prior to Israel’s approval, the cabinet deliberated on the matter and held consultations with Qatar, Egypt, and the EU.
Gazans hope this deal will bring closure to the distressing situation of getting only four hours of electricity per day.
Muhammad Thabet, director of public relations for the Gaza Electricity Distribution Company, said the implementation of strategic projects is needed to solve the electricity crisis in Gaza.
According to Thabet, the simplest answer would be to install a gas supply system in Gaza instead of high-cost diesel.
The gas pipeline would reduce operating costs by 15 percent of the overall cost, he added.
