Since March, Hamas has required any Palestinian returning to the territory through Israel or Egypt to spend 21 days in mandatory quarantine facilities. The tough measures appear to have greatly contained the virus, with just 110 infections and one fatality inside these centers. This week’s outbreak marked the first time the virus has been detected outside the quarantine facilities. The lockdown has worsened already difficult conditions, forcing Gazans to stay at home at a time when there is only four hours of electricity a day. Gaza’s only power plant was forced to shut down on Aug. 18 after Israel closed the commercial crossing with Gaza and cut off fuel supplies.

Source: International New York Times August 26, 2020 21:22 UTC