Israel says water, electricity blockade to continue until hostages are freed
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Ramallah: In an escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israel has imposed a stringent blockade on the Gaza Strip, vowing not to lift it until all Israeli hostages are freed.
Israel's Energy Minister, Israel Katz, announced on social media that crucial services like electricity, water, and fuel would be withheld until the abducted individuals are released.
The situation has raised concerns over the well-being of the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, where water, food, and fuel supplies are already dwindling after five nights of relentless bombardment.
The conflict has reached a critical juncture, with Israel preparing for a ground invasion. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched strikes that killed 33 people within two hours, bringing the death toll in Gaza to a staggering 1,200.
Fighter jets targeted houses in various areas, resulting in the destruction of six neighbourhoods. The World Health Organization reported significant damage to 18 healthcare facilities, 20 ambulances, and the loss of 11 healthcare workers.
The UN revealed that the number of people displaced by the airstrikes had surged to 339,000 within 24 hours, with two-thirds seeking refuge in UN schools. Hospitals in Gaza have reportedly stopped admitting all but emergency cases, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
On the Israeli side, the death toll has also risen to 1,200. While Israel's military spokesperson, Lt Col Richard Hecht, confirmed preparations for a ground assault, the political leadership has not yet given the order. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading a newly formed unity government and war cabinet, has pledged to "crush and destroy" Hamas.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, arriving in Tel Aviv to express solidarity with Israel. A US aircraft carrier is also expected to join the region, signalling a strong deterrent against any hostile actions.
The strategic planning for the conflict is complicated by the presence of Israeli hostages, including children and the elderly, inside Gaza. Reports suggest that the kidnapped individuals are dispersed across the enclave, with uncertainty regarding the total number. Israeli media estimates the figure between 100 and 150.
The blockade on Gaza intensifies the suffering of its residents, while the threat of a ground invasion looms, promising further casualties on both sides.