Agencies
Tel Aviv/Gaza
The relatives of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip are challenging Israel’s decision to cut off electricity supplies to the territory, warning of its impact on the captives’ well-being, local media reported on Wednesday.
Around 50 families have submitted a petition to the Supreme Court calling for the annulment of Israel’s decision, Israeli media reported.
The petition, which is directed against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly cites statements by former hostages saying that Israeli government decisions have a direct impact on those held hostage in the Gaza Strip.
According to Israeli information, 24 living hostages and 35 bodies are currently being held in the Gaza Strip.
Israel suspended the delivery of electricity to the sealed-off coastal strip on Sunday in an attempt to put pressure on the Palestinian group Hamas.
The decision came one week after Israel halted humanitarian aid deliveries to the territory.
Meanwhile, Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, said Israeli authorities have “instrumentalised humanitarian needs by using it as a bargaining chip”, such as cutting electricity and preventing all aid from entering the war-ravaged enclave.
“This policy, which amounts to collective punishment, must be immediately stopped,” MSF said in a statement.
