Israel’s move to shut off electricity to the Gaza Strip was denounced by Egypt on Tuesday, which described it as a “new violation of international humanitarian law.”
The Egyptian foreign ministry claimed in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, that the action was a part of Israel’s “policies of collective punishment” following last week’s blockade of supplies entering Gaza by Israeli authorities.
In an attempt to exert pressure on Hamas to accept its demands in anticipated ceasefire negotiations, Israel cut off the sole electricity supply to a water desalination facility in the war-torn Palestinian enclave on Sunday.
Egyptian calls for the international community to “take the necessary measures to stop these violations” were echoed by Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and fellow mediator Qatar.
The UN claimed that Israel has a legal duty as the occupying force to provide the basic needs of life for Palestinians living under Israeli rule and warned of “dire consequences” for the people of Gaza.
The war in Gaza, which was sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, onslaught on Israel, has been largely halted by a tenuous truce that has been in place since January.
Israeli negotiators were scheduled to meet with mediators in Qatar.
