Hamas War: Israel Says No Humanitarian Aid to Gaza Unless Hostages Are Freed

Israel on Thursday announced that Gaza will not get any supply of ‘water or fuel’ until captives held by Hamas are freed. Taking to social media platform X, Energy Minister Israel Katz made it clear that the country would ensure no humanitarian aid reaches the densely populated conclave until the Israeli abductees are returned.

“Humanitarian aid to Gaza? 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. Humanitarian for humanitarian. And no one will preach us morals,” Katz said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

According to The Times of Israel, Hamas claims to be holding 130 hostages, with some reports estimating at least 200 are held in the Gaza Strip. IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the military has so far notified the families of 97 hostages being held in the Gaza Strip.

After Hamas gunmen rampaged through Israeli towns on Saturday, Israel has responded by putting the enclave under total siege and launching by far the most powerful bombing campaign in the country’s history to avenge the death of 1,300 people. Meanwhile, Gaza authorities say more than 1,200 people have been killed and over 5,000 people have been wounded in the Israeli bombing.

Earlier this week, Israel’s defence minister ordered a “total” siege on Gaza to sever all power, food and water supplies. On Thursday, the sole electric power station was switched off after it ran out of fuel for emergency generators.

Meanwhile, Egypt has engaged in intensive talks with Israel and the US to allow the delivery of aid and fuel through its Rafah crossing point, which remained closed on both sides. Cario pushed back against proposals to establish corridors out of Gaza, saying an exodus would have grave consequences on the Palestinian cause.

(With agency inputs)