GAZA — Israel announced on Sunday that it had ordered an immediate halt to electricity transmission to the Gaza Strip, despite the fact that power has already been cut off for more than 16 months since the start of its military campaign in October 2023.

According to Israel’s official broadcasting agency, Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen directed the Israel Electric Company to cease all electricity supply to Gaza “immediately.”

The broadcaster stated that Cohen’s decision would result in a complete power outage across the region, further worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Gaza has been under an Israeli-imposed blockade since October 2023, with the enclave suffering from severe shortages of essential services, including electricity, water, and medical supplies.

The United Nations and international humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned of the catastrophic consequences of the blockade, urging Israel to restore basic necessities to civilians. — Agencies