Staff Reports
The government of Israel has issued a stern warning to Gaza, stating that it will not restore water and electricity until all hostages captured during the recent terror attack are returned. Israel’s energy minister, Israel Katz, emphasized that humanitarian aid will only be provided when Gaza shows concern for the well-being of its people. Katz made his point clear by stating, “No electrical switch will be turned on, no water hydrant will be opened and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home.”
The terror attack on Israel last Saturday resulted in the abduction of approximately 150 people, with a death toll surpassing 1,300 Israeli residents. The horrific nature of the attacks has shocked the world, as many victims were killed in brutal and savage ways.
Criticism has arisen regarding Israel’s blockade on supplies to Gaza, with a group of independent United Nations experts denouncing it as “collective punishment” that unfairly targets civilians. These experts argue that Israel’s actions constitute a war crime. They also called on Hamas to release the civilian hostages and condemned the group’s “horrific” attack.
While Israel is reportedly receiving support from the United States to retrieve its hostages, the nature of this assistance is not yet clear. The withdrawal of 2,400 U.S. Marines from exercises in Kuwait suggests a readiness to engage in the events unfolding, although it remains unconfirmed whether this specifically involves Israel.
It is only reasonable for Israel to withhold essential resources until its abducted citizens are safely returned. The country has a responsibility to protect its people and should not be expected to provide aid to a region controlled by a terrorist group that has carried out such a brutal attack. The international community must recognize Israel’s right to defend itself and support its efforts to bring its citizens home.
