Israel-Hamas conflict: No electricity, water & fuel to Gaza until Israeli abductees are freed, says minister

Israel on Thursday has announced that it would not be giving electricity, water and fuel to the people of Gaza until Israeli hostages are freed. As per sources, Israel added that unless Israeli hostages were released, there would be no exception to the siege.

Taking it to his X account, Israel’s Energy Minister Israel Katz stated, “Humanitarian aid to Gaza? No electrical switch will be turned on, no water hydrant will be opened and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home. Humanitarian for humanitarian. And no one will preach us morals.”

According to the sources, the political leadership has not yet made a decision, the Israeli military stated on Thursday that it is preparing for a ground invasion into Gaza. The Israeli military also issued a warning that anyone approaching the Gaza barrier will be shot. At least 2,300 people have died in the fight thus far.

Earlier on Thursday, as Israel continued its airstrikes in Gaza in retaliation for the weekend attack by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said that his country would “crush and destroy” all Hamas militants. In order to create an emergency unity government and a war cabinet to direct the conflict with Hamas militants, PM Netanyahu has teamed up with opposition leader Benny Gantz.

Meanwhile, Antony Blinken, the secretary of state of the United States, arrived in Israel and is scheduled to meet with PM Netanyahu and other top Israeli leaders to discuss increasing military assistance. “I’m going with a very simple and clear message,” Blinken had earlier told reporters, “that the United States has Israel’s back.”

India, however, has begun Operation Ajay to begin returning its citizens from Palestine and Israel. To bring the residents their homes, the Indian government will arrange special flights, and if necessary, the Indian Navy would also be deployed.