The Israeli army has started connecting a desalination plant in the Gaza Strip to their electricity grid to prevent the spread of diseases, responding to international requests. This action comes after nearly nine months of offensive and siege against the enclave. The aim is to make the plant operational, providing drinking water for hygiene and disease prevention, which could threaten soldiers and hostages.
Gaza residents reported that the Gaza Electricity Company has initiated work in the Saladin Road area to restart the desalination plant. However, Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, criticized the move, accusing the authorities of losing their minds by helping Gaza before disarmament. He urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the rehabilitation process, citing concerns about aiding hospitals, which he equated with supporting terrorism.
The Gaza Strip is facing a severe humanitarian crisis following the military offensive by Israel, which led to a total siege of the region. Charges have been brought against Israeli officials for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court has called for the arrest of top leaders, including Netanyahu and the chief prosecutor of Hamas. Gaza authorities have reported thousands of deaths, both in the Strip and in other Palestinian territories as a result of Israeli actions.