Red Cross warns Israel’s aid and power cuts risk plunging Gaza further into 'acute humanitarian emergency'

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Monday warned the suspension of aid into Gaza by Israel, including the recent electricity cut, risks plunging the Palestinian enclave further into "acute humanitarian emergency."

"The ceasefire in Gaza has proven vital to saving lives, bringing in humanitarian assistance and sustaining the civilian population. However, Gaza's humanitarian crisis is far from over. Aid deliveries had substantially increased over the course of the ceasefire, but they remain a drop in the ocean compared to the immense needs on the ground," ICRC said in a statement.

The committee emphasized that beyond emergency relief, a long-term commitment to rebuilding essential services and restoring dignity to affected communities is required.

There is also an "urgent need" for diversified assistance, including construction materials for shelters, medical supplies, and other essential services to address the complex humanitarian crisis, it added.

"The suspension of assistance now, including the cessation of power to the only water desalination facility in Gaza, risks plunging Gaza further into an acute humanitarian emergency. The impacts are already felt in price increases and shortages of basic goods," it warned.

It urged Israel to ensure that the basic needs of the civilian population under its control were met under international humanitarian law.

"The rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance must also be allowed and facilitated," it stated.

Israel cut off the electricity supply to Gaza on Sunday, in the latest move to tighten a stifling blockade on the enclave despite the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

It followed an Israeli decision last week to stop humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, prompting warnings from local and human rights groups of a return to widespread hunger for the Palestinian population.

The ceasefire deal has been in place since January, pausing Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 48,500 people, mostly women and children, and left the enclave in ruins.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.