Israel is set to cut off electricity to the Gaza Strip in a likely attempt to pressure Hamas.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the decision, saying Israel would use “all available means” to ensure the return of all its hostages and that Hamas would not remain in Gaza after the war.
Humanitarian organizations warn that the move could worsen the already dire water situation.
They say two existing desalination plants will likely be shut down, cutting off already scarce drinking water supplies. Others have warned that other water treatment plants could also be shut down.
Hamas has accused Israel of “cheap and unacceptable blackmail.” “We strongly condemn the occupation’s decision to deprive Gaza of electricity, food, medicine, and water,” said Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq, adding that this is “a desperate attempt to put pressure on our people and their resistance through cheap and unacceptable methods of blackmail.”
