Israel cut electricity supplies to the Palestinian enclave to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages. In this context, the United Kingdom has condemned Israel for cutting off power supplies to Gaza.
In a statement, Downing Street said it was "deeply concerned" and urged Israel "to lift these restrictions."
"We're clear that a halt on goods and supplies entering Gaza, including basic needs such as electricity, risks breaching Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law," the UK government said.
Israel's decision has raised concerns about access to drinking water in Gaza, as a desalination plant in the south of the enclave has been forced to rely on power generators.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office said: "Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool."
Germany has also called on Israel to restore electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip.
A spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry in Berlin said Germany's government was observing events "with great concern" after Israel cut off power to the Palestinian enclave on Sunday.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said electricity supplies to the territory were being suspended.
Last week, Israel also paused deliveries of humanitarian aid. The measures are designed to pressure Hamas into releasing dozens of hostages still being held in Gaza.
Germany urged the Israeli government to restore "all forms of humanitarian aid with immediate effect."
The Foreign Ministry spokeswoman pointed out that electricity is needed to run the desalination plant in Khan Younis, a city in the southern Gaza Strip.
She added that withholding humanitarian aid is not a legitimate means of applying pressure during ceasefire talks.
She also said Hamas must release the remaining hostages under the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
Source: DW
Bd-ppratidin English/Lutful Hoque
