Israel Halts Gaza Supplies Until Hostages Released

Israel’s Energy Minister, Israel Katz, has declared that there will be no supply of electricity, fuel, or water to the Gaza Strip until Hamas releases the hostages it took following its attack on October 7. According to Israeli authorities, Hamas has taken around 150 people as hostages in Gaza. This move has resulted in a near-complete siege on Gaza, with its only power station ceasing operations due to fuel shortages.

Hospitals are now relying on generators, and the International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that the situation is putting patients at risk and turning hospitals into morgues. Gaza, one of the world’s most densely populated places, has been under various forms of blockade and isolation for nearly 17 years. It relies heavily on humanitarian assistance, with more than half of its population living in poverty.