(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-01-21 21:11

Brussels -- The European Commission urged Israel on Monday to restart fuel supplies to Gaza.

"I have made clear that I am against this collective punishment of the people of Gaza," EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner said in a statement.

"I urge the Israeli authorities to restart fuel supplies and open the crossings for the passage of humanitarian and commercial supplies."

Large parts of Gaza Strip plunged into darkness on Sunday when its main power plant shut down after Israel blocked fuel supplies in response to rocket attacks from Gaza.

EU personnel help monitor the Rafah crossing point between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. EU-funded fuel for the Gaza power plant is being held in storage at the Nahal Oz crossing, awaiting Israel's decision on resuming supplies.

The Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, home to around 1.5 million people, has also stopped UN aid shipments that include food and other humanitarian supplies.