Agency Report –
Germany called on Israel to resume humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, terming the cutting of electricity supplies and a threat to cut off water as unacceptable and not in line with Israel’s obligations under international law.
The German government was taking note of events “with great concern,” a Foreign Office spokeswoman said on Monday
She called on the Israeli government to lift import restrictions on the Gaza Strip “for all forms of humanitarian aid with immediate effect.”
On Sunday Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced he was cutting electricity to the strip after Israel had earlier halted the delivery of humanitarian supplies. The aim of the measures is to pressure Hamas into releasing the dozens of hostages it is still holding.
The German Foreign Office spokeswoman said that the provision or denial of humanitarian aid were not a legitimate means of exerting pressure during negotiations.
Israel had to meet its obligations under international law by ensuring the unimpeded provision of urgently needed basic supplies and humanitarian support throughout the Gaza Strip, she said.
She added that the Hamas terrorist organization had to put an end to the suffering of the remaining hostages and their relatives and release them according to the ceasefire agreement.
The spokeswoman also noted that electricity was needed to operate the desalination plant in Khan Younis.
