Gaza: The United Nations has warned of “serious repercussions” for civilians in Gaza after Israel cut off electricity supplies to the devastated Strip, which has also been deprived of fuel shipments for more than a week.

According to Qatar News Agency, Seif Magango, a spokesperson at the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern over the Israeli decision. He noted that the absence of electricity, coupled with the block on fuel, threatens the operation of Gaza’s water desalination plants, healthcare facilities, and bakeries, posing significant risks to civilians.

Magango emphasized that as the occupying power, Israel has a legal obligation to ensure the provision of life’s necessities for Palestinians under its control. He further stated that denying civilians access to essential resources to exert pressure on a party to an armed conflict could raise serious concerns regarding collective punishment.

The Israeli entity cut off electricity to the Gaza Strip on Sunday as a tactic to increase pressure on Hamas and also severed the only line supplying the desalination plant. On March 2, Israel announced the suspension of humanitarian aid entry into Gaza and closed crossings “until further notice.” This decision led to the closure of the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza, with trucks carrying relief supplies, goods, and aid being turned away.