Gaza: Authorities in Gaza have confirmed that Israel has implemented power cuts, raising concerns of severe health and environmental consequences in the region. Mohammad Thabet, a spokesman for the Gaza Electricity Distribution Company, highlighted the dire situation in a statement to local Al-Aqsa radio, noting that the electricity supply from Tel Aviv, previously provided through ten power lines, has been halted following the outbreak of Israel's war on the enclave.
According to Anadolu Agency, the conflict has resulted in significant damage to Gaza's infrastructure. Thabet reported that nearly 70% of the electricity distribution networks and 90% of warehouses and stores in Gaza have been destroyed due to the ongoing hostilities. Additionally, 80% of the distribution company's vehicles have been lost to Israeli attacks since October 2023.
The recent power cuts mark an escalation in the blockade on Gaza, despite a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement being in place. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has described the situation as a 'genocide alert,' emphasizing the critical need for electricity to maintain access to clean water. Albanese also criticized the lack of international sanctions or arms embargo against Israel, arguing that these omissions contribute to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
In a related development, Israel halted humanitarian aid to Gaza last week, prompting warnings from local and international human rights organizations about the potential for widespread hunger among the Palestinian population. The ceasefire agreement, initially established in January, temporarily paused Israel's military actions in Gaza but has yet to lead to a lasting resolution.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which lasted 42 days, concluded in early March without progress towards a second phase or a halt to the conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to extend the prisoner exchange to secure the release of more Israeli captives, a move that has been met with resistance from Palestinian group Hamas, which demands adherence to the original ceasefire terms.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 48,450 people, primarily women and children, leaving the enclave devastated. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.