Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has declared a “complete siege” on the Gaza Strip, encompassing the suspension of electricity, food, water, and fuel supplies, as reported by the Times of Israel.
During a briefing with commanders at the Israel Defense Forces’ Southern Command, Gallant unequivocally stated, “There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed.” He further emphasized, “We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly,” according to the paper’s translation of his remarks.
Following Gallant’s announcement, Israel’s Energy Minister, Israel Katz, issued an order to cut off the water supply to Gaza, adding to the suspension of electricity and fuel, which had already taken effect two days prior, as reported by the Times of Israel.
These measures come in the wake of the Israeli government’s formal declaration of war against Hamas, a militant Palestinian group responsible for launching a series of devastating surprise attacks on Saturday. The Israeli government’s stated objective is to gain full control of Gaza and eliminate the group.
The ongoing escalation of hostilities has resulted in a tragic toll, with over 700 fatalities reported in Israel and more than 400 in Gaza. Civilian casualties have been documented on both sides. Israel initiated airstrikes on the territory in retaliation on Saturday.
Israel had previously exercised significant control over Gaza through a 16-year blockade, in collaboration with Egypt, aimed at restricting the flow of goods and the movement of people ever since Hamas assumed control of the region.
In July, the UN’s special rapporteur characterized Israel’s level of control over occupied Palestinian territory as akin to an “open-air prison.”