Days Of Palestine – Ramallah

Tens of thousands of Palestinian household, medical centers, businesses, banks and educational institutions in Ramallah were left on Sunday without power for three full hours after the Israeli Electricity Company (IEC), in a step supported by the Israeli government, cut power to main power supply points served by the Palestinian-owned Jerusalem District Electricity Company (JDECO).

The IEC step came to pressure JDECO to pay outstanding debt for electricity bought to be used in JDECO's concession areas that include, in addition to Ramallah, the occupied part of Jerusalem, the biblical city of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and the ancient city of Jericho.

The power cut policy started two months ago with blackouts declared for two hours in different parts of JDECO's concession areas and at different times. The hours were this month extended for three, and IEC is warning that this will be increased if JDECO does not pay its debt estimated at around $500 million.

JDECO accused IEC and the Israeli government of imposing collective punishment policy against the Palestinian people under its occupation since the people are the most hurt by this power cut.