Saudi Arabia condemns ‘in strongest terms’ Israel cutting off electricity to Gaza

Saudi Arabia condemns “in the strongest terms” Israel’s decision to cut off electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday.

The ministry said it disapproved of Israeli authorities use of “collective punishment” against Palestinians in the territory, adding that it “reaffirms its absolute rejection of Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law.”

“The Kingdom emphasizes its call on the international community to take urgent actions to immediately and unconditionally restore electricity and ensure the flow of aid to Gaza. The Kingdom also renews its call to activate international accountability mechanisms for these blatant violations,” the ministry’s statement said.

The first phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas expired at the beginning of March with no agreement on subsequent stages that would aim to secure a lasting end to the war that erupted on October 7, 2023.

Israel has halted aid deliveries to Gaza amid the deadlock, and on Sunday announced it was cutting off the electricity supply to the territory.