Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz, on Thursday, made a resolute statement concerning Gaza. He declared that no basic resources or humanitarian aid would flow into Gaza until Hamas released the hostages it took during a surprise attack on Israel over the weekend, following the United Nations’ call for humanitarian aid to be allowed into the besieged territory.
Katz emphasized that until the Israeli abductees were safely returned, there would be no electric switch turned on, no water tap opened, and no fuel truck allowed entry. This stern stance came in response to around 150 Israelis, foreigners, and dual nationals taken hostage by Hamas fighters during the Saturday attack in the Gaza Strip.
However, shortly after the UN secretary-general urged access to humanitarian aid for Gaza, numerous UN independent experts condemned Hamas’ actions and declared that Israel’s bombardment of Gaza amounted to collective punishment. They stressed that violence targeting innocent civilians, whether by Hamas or Israeli forces, is prohibited under international law and constitutes a war crime.
As the conflict continued, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the delivery of crucial life-saving supplies, including fuel, food, and water, into Gaza. The war’s toll on the region was devastating, with rising casualties and destruction, further emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid.
