RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the Israeli occupation authorities’ use of collective punishment against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip by cutting off electricity to the area.
The ministry in a statement said, “The Kingdom reaffirmed its categorical rejection of Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law.”
It further emphasised its call on the international community to take urgent actions to immediately and unconditionally restore electricity and ensure the flow of aid to Gaza.
The ministry also stressed to activate international accountability mechanisms for these blatant violations.
Israel has cut off electricity to the besieged enclave, including a plant that provides drinking water to Palestinians.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen in a video statement on Sunday, Cohen said: “We will use all the tools at our disposal to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after the war.”
The announcement came a week after Israel cut off all aid supplies to the territory, which has a population of more than two million people.
The decision to cut electricity is expected to mainly impact the operation of desalination plants, which are essential for supplying clean drinking water.
UN Chief condemnation
The UN chief has also expressed deep concern over Israel’s decision to cut electricity supply to Gaza, warning that the move would severely impact access to clean water for tens of thousands of people.
“The Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) is very concerned about Israel’s decision to limit electricity supply going into Gaza. This latest decision will substantially reduce the availability of drinking water in the Gaza Strip,” said spokesperson Stephane Dujarric at a news conference.
Saying that the facility is set to run on backup generators, which will reduce the water production capacity,” Dujarric stressed that “restoring this connection is vital for tens of thousands of families and children.”
Amnesty International condemnation
Amnesty International has dubbed Israel’s blocking of aid and power to Palestinians “further evidence of Israel’s genocide” in the occupied Gaza Strip.
Israel has cut off electricity to the besieged enclave, including a plant that provides drinking water to Palestinians.
The human rights watchdog condemned Israel’s decision and called upon the world to stop it from using water and electricity as a weapon of war.
