In a bold move, Israel’s energy minister, Israel Katz, has declared that essential resources and humanitarian aid will be withheld from Gaza until Hamas releases their captives. This announcement comes in the wake of Hamas’s recent attack on Israel, during which dozens of Israelis, foreigners, and dual nationals were captured. Katz stated, “Humanitarian aid to Gaza? No electric switch will be turned on, no water tap will be opened, and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home.”
The Israeli government has taken a firm stance against Hamas, pledging to eradicate the group and imposing a “full siege” on the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials claim that the attack resulted in the death of over 1,300 people and injured around 3,000. In response, Israel has conducted an air campaign that has claimed the lives of more than 1,200 Palestinians and left over 5,000 others injured, according to Palestinian authorities.
As a result of the siege, Gaza’s sole electric power station has been shut down, leading to a dire situation in the region. Over-capacity hospitals are running out of fuel, putting the lives of newborns in incubators and elderly patients on oxygen at risk. Without electricity, crucial medical procedures such as kidney dialysis and x-rays are impossible, and hospitals are on the brink of becoming morgues.
The escalating violence has prompted the mobilization of thousands of Israeli reservists, who are preparing for a potential ground assault on Gaza. However, Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Hecht clarified that no invasion decision has been made yet, but preparations are underway. Hecht also revealed that Palestinian gunmen are attempting to enter Israel by sea, and efforts are being made to secure the Gaza gate.
In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz agreed to form a unity government amidst the crisis. Gantz emphasized that their partnership is not political but rather a “shared fate,” highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Amidst the turmoil, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel on Thursday to demonstrate solidarity with the country, prevent the escalation of the conflict, and advocate for the release of the captives.
The International Committee of the Red Cross regional director, Fabrizio Carboni, expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. He urged both sides to minimize the suffering of civilians, emphasizing the devastating consequences of the power outage on hospitals and vulnerable individuals.
As tensions persist and the fate of the captives hangs in the balance, the international community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to this volatile situation.
