Security officials: Gaza electric work critical for Israeli effort against Hamas

Security officials say work that began this morning to boost electric power to a Gaza desalination plant is critical for Israel to continue its operations against Hamas in the Strip.

Officials say the desalination plant will potentially provide 20,000 cubic meters of water daily to the humanitarian zone area, where the vast majority of Gaza’s population is currently residing.

Some 1.9 million Palestinians are currently in the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone, according to Israeli estimates.

Increased drinking water is especially necessary during the summer, and the humanitarian zone also requires water for sanitation to prevent diseases from spreading. Such diseases could also harm Israeli soldiers in Gaza, as well as hostages held by Hamas.

Officials say that preventing a humanitarian crisis in Gaza is key to continuing the fighting against Hamas. Otherwise, the country could potentially be forced to end the war.

The move to provide power to the desalination plant was approved by government officials, including the defense minister and energy minister.

Officials say that the plant will be immediately disconnected if the military sees Hamas siphoning off electricity.