Israel announced on Sunday that it is cutting off its electricity supply to Gaza, a decision that comes amidst a heightened crisis in the region. The halt in power poses significant risks to the arid territory’s desalination plants, which rely on electricity to produce drinking water.
The announcement follows a series of lethal aerial attacks by Russia, which intensified after the US administration suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine. During this turbulent time, the military has also imposed a freeze on supplies to Gaza, prompting outrage from the international community.
Hamas condemned the power cutoff as part of Israel’s “starvation policy.” The Israeli government previously warned that water and electricity supplies could be next after halting other forms of aid. Israeli authorities have instructed the Israel Electric Corporation to stop providing electricity to Gaza, underscoring the serious humanitarian implications in a region already devastated by conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed the need for a strong stance against Hamas, insisting that the militant group must not be allowed to maintain power in Gaza. The International Criminal Court echoes concerns about Israel’s tactics, issuing a warrant for Netanyahu over allegations of using “starvation as a method of warfare.”
The announcement of the cutoff has heightened fears among Gaza’s population, as the items are increasingly scarce and prices are soaring, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Local residents report living conditions have deteriorated further since the ceasefire began.
Despite challenges, discussions between US officials and Hamas regarding a potential long-term truce are ongoing. These developments come amidst numerous attempts to broker peace in a conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives, with the most recent escalation resulting in heavy civilian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza.
Credit: ABC News
