LONDON
The Netherlands expressed concern Monday over Israel's decision to cut off electricity supply to Gaza.
"Israel cutting Gaza off from electricity is a cause for concern. Blocking humanitarian aid and basic services such as electricity is against international law," Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp wrote on X.
Veldkamp highlighted the urgency of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, calling for a swift resolution to address the release of hostages, the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, and an end to the violence.
Israel cut off electricity to Gaza on Sunday in the latest move to tighten a 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 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin 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.