Israel plans to cut off electricity and water to Gaza after blocking aid

According to a report by Israeli broadcaster Kan 11, Israeli authorities are planning to cut off water and electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip and restart the operation to drive residents of northern Gaza to the south. This move is part of the Israeli government's strategy to exert "maximum pressure" on the Gaza Strip and Hamas.

Previously, after the first phase of the ceasefire agreement ended, aid supplies to the Gaza Strip were blocked on Sunday. At the same time, during Ramadan, Hamas demanded that Israel enter the second phase according to the previously reached agreement, including a complete end to the war, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of the remaining Israeli hostages.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that in the past 48 hours, Israeli shelling near the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis has killed at least 5 people and injured 21. Despite the official announcement of a cessation of fighting, Israeli forces have repeatedly violated the ceasefire agreement since it began on January 19, launching airstrikes and shooting at Palestinians.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced the blockade of aid supplies. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed the decision, calling it "an important step in the right direction," and added in another statement that the next step in the Gaza war would be to cut off water and electricity supplies, "opening the gates of hell on Gaza with a powerful, deadly, and swift attack."

This announcement has sparked strong opposition from human rights organizations and experts. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) condemned Israel's decision to block aid in a post on X (formerly Twitter). "Humanitarian aid should never be used as a tool of war. Regardless of negotiations between warring parties, the people of Gaza still need an immediate and massive increase in humanitarian supplies," MSF said. MSF further warned in a press release that the move would further "exacerbate the humanitarian crisis for 2 million people." "Israel's total blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza is a cruel act of collective punishment and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law."

The Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) warned in a press release that the move would further "exacerbate the humanitarian crisis for 2 million people." "Israel's total blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza is a cruel act of collective punishment and a blatant violation of international humanitarian law." MAP added: "A year ago, the International Court of Justice ordered measures to prevent genocide in Gaza, but by blocking aid again, Israel continues to violate these measures." The organization urged the international community to take action and condemn Israel's decision to halt aid. Mohammed Al-Hattab, MAP's Deputy Director of Programs in Gaza, described the move as "a continued mockery of humanity, and a double standard for civilians in the Gaza Strip, while the world continues to stand by."