Electricity and aid cut to Gaza

This morning, the people of Gaza woke to a second day without electricity.

Israel, which maintains tight control over the Strip, cut power yesterday to pressure Hamas into extending the current ceasefire phase. Hamas, on the other hand, is pushing for the second phase to begin, as it would lead to the withdrawal of Israeli troops. The suffering of innocent people is once again being used as a bargaining chip in the bitter negotiations between their political leaders.

Last week, it was humanitarian aid that was blocked. This week, it’s electricity.

The consequences are dire - power is essential for running desalination plants that provide clean water. Cutting it off is an inhumane act against a population already in crisis. And this isn’t the first time. Israel has previously cut Gaza’s water supply as well.

Weaponizing basic human necessities like water and electricity is a violation of international humanitarian law.

Let’s pray that today’s peace talks in Qatar are fruitful and bring some relief for all involved in this humanitarian catastrophe.