Gaza key power plant could shut over money row

EU starts scaling back funds, says it wants PA to find other ways to pay for fuel; PA demanding Hamas pay its share.

Gaza power station 224.8 (photo credit: AP)
Gaza power station 224.8
(photo credit: AP)

A money dispute between the rivalPalestinian governments is threatening to shut down 's only power plant.

The dispute pits theinternationally backed government of the West Bank against 's Hamas rulers.

The plant provides power to muchof northern .

The European Union used to payfor the plant's fuel as part of an aid package to the Palestinian Authority inthe .

However, the EU decided to startscaling back and said it wants the Palestinian Authority to find other ways topay for the fuel. The Palestinian Authority demands that Hamas pay its share.

Hamas insists that the EU resumepayments.

An engineer says the plant couldrun out of fuel as early as Thursday.