Germany has expressed strong disapproval of Israel’s decision to cut electricity supplies to Gaza and discussions on halting water supplies. The German Federal Foreign Office spokesperson, Kathrin Deschauer, stated that such actions are unacceptable and violate international legal obligations.
Electricity is crucial for the operation of Gaza’s water desalination plant in Khan Yunis, which is already struggling due to poor infrastructure. The shutdown of this plant could have dire consequences for hundreds of thousands of Gazans.
Gaza Faces Humanitarian Catastrophe Amid Blockade and Failing Infrastructure
The situation in Gaza has worsened significantly after Israel stopped the movement of goods into the region following the expiration of a cease-fire agreement. More than 2 million Palestinians are facing extreme hardships due to continuous bombardments and restrictions on essential supplies.
Deschauer urged Israel to comply with international law and allow unrestricted humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. The lack of clean water, food, and medical supplies has raised concerns among international organizations about the worsening humanitarian crisis.
Germany Condemns Israel’s Blockade of Gaza as Humanitarian Crisis DeepensThe desalination plant in Khan Yunis is currently running on generators, but they are in poor condition and could fail at any moment. If the generators stop working, the people of Gaza will lose access to clean drinking water, and untreated sewage could flow into the Mediterranean, further exacerbating public health risks. Ahmed Alrobai, the plant’s manager, warned that the collapse of water and sanitation services would have catastrophic consequences for Gaza’s already vulnerable population.
War Crimes Allegations and Ongoing Cease-Fire Negotiations Amid Humanitarian Crisis
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has previously accused Israel of using “starvation as a method of warfare” and even issued an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel has denied these accusations, but the continued blockade of essential services fuels allegations of war crimes. At the same time, Germany has also called on Hamas to release hostages in accordance with previous cease-fire agreements, stressing that both sides must take steps to reduce suffering in the region.
Despite the worsening situation, cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas have resumed in Doha, with Egypt, Qatar, and the United States acting as mediators. While Israel is pushing for a continuation of the first phase of the cease-fire deal—focused on hostage exchanges—Hamas insists on discussing a permanent end to hostilities.
The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but Germany’s firm stance against humanitarian blockades highlights growing international pressure on Israel to uphold its legal obligations.