Israel has cut off electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip, affecting the operation of a desalination plant that supplies drinking water to part of the arid region.
Hamas described this as part of Israel's “starvation policy.”
Last week, Israel stopped deliveries of goods to the territory, home to more than two million Palestinians, continuing a blockade that began in the early days of the conflict.
He tried to persuade Hamas to agree to extend the first phase of the truce, which ended last weekend.
Israel demands Hamas release half of the remaining hostages in exchange for a promise to agree to a long-term truce.
Hamas is pushing for talks on a more complex second phase of the ceasefire that would include the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza, an Israeli withdrawal and a sustainable peace.
Hamas is believed to be holding 24 live hostages and the bodies of 35 others.
On Sunday, the group said it had completed the latest round of ceasefire talks with Egyptian mediators without changing its position, calling for the immediate start of a second phase of the truce.
A new letter from Israel's energy minister instructed the Israel Electric Corporation to stop selling electricity to Gaza. Israel had warned that after all supplies were cut off, water and electricity could be the next step.
The area and its infrastructure have been significantly damaged, with most institutions, including hospitals, now relying on generators.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassam said Israel had “virtually” cut off electricity since the start of the conflict and described the latest decision as part of “Israeli starvation policy in blatant disregard of all international laws and norms.”
According to the Israeli organization Gisha, which defends the Palestinians' right to freedom of movement, the desalination plant provided 18,000 cubic meters of water daily to the Deir el-Balah area in central Gaza.
Chief executive Tanya Hari said the plant is expected to run on generators and produce about 2,500 cubic metres of water a day, roughly the volume of an Olympic swimming pool.
Ms. Hari said Israel's restrictions on fuel imports into Gaza were having a more serious impact, with water shortages becoming a growing problem as fuel was needed for delivery trucks.
Israel has come under heavy criticism for halting supplies.
“Any denial of essential supplies to civilians could amount to collective punishment,” the UN Human Rights Office said on Friday.
The International Criminal Court said
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
