Israel’s Minister of Infrastructure, Israel Katz, announced on Monday an “immediate halt” to all water supplies to the Gaza Strip as the conflict with Palestinian militants continues to escalate.
In a social media post, the minister declared the water cutoff, stating that “what was in the past will no longer persist in the future.”
This move comes after Israel Katz had previously ordered the cessation of electricity supply to Gaza on Saturday.
In response, the Palestinian Water Authority issued a statement on Sunday evening, condemning the Israeli government’s attempts to halt essential services, including electricity and water, to the residents of Gaza. They warned of severe consequences on the ground due to these actions.
The decision to cut off water supplies to Gaza represents a significant escalation in the already tense situation between Israel and Palestinian factions. The Gaza Strip, home to nearly two million Palestinians, has faced a protracted humanitarian crisis, including severe water shortages, for years.
This latest development further complicates efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Water is a fundamental necessity for human life, and its denial in the midst of conflict intensifies the suffering of the civilian population in Gaza.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging restraint, de-escalation, and a renewed commitment to finding a lasting solution to this enduring conflict.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains one of the most challenging and contentious issues in the Middle East. The decision to cut off water supplies underscores the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and finding a path toward a just and lasting peace.