UN warns of ‘dire consequences’ for civilians after Israel cuts power to Gaza

The United Nations says Israel’s decision to cut off electricity to Gaza is “very concerning,” warning that civilians in the war-ravaged territory will face dire consequences.

“Israel’s decision to cut off electricity to Gaza following its ban last week on the entry of all humanitarian assistance and other necessities of life, including fuel needed to operate generators, is very concerning,” Seif Magango, spokesman for the UN human rights office, tells AFP in an email.

“With no electricity and with fuel being blocked, Gaza’s remaining water desalination plants, healthcare facilities, and bakeries are at risk of eventually shutting down, with dire consequences for civilians.”

Magango claims that Israel has a legal obligation to ensure the provision of the necessities of life for Palestinians living under its control.

“In addition, blocking access to the necessities of life for civilians intended to pressure a party to an armed conflict through hardship imposed on the civilian population as a whole raises serious concerns of collective punishment,” he adds.