Israel’s High Court of Justice has urged the state to renew its electricity supply to Gaza amid a petition from nearly 50 released hostages and family members of those held captive, warning that cutting off power could put lives at risk. The petition demands that the government immediately cancel its decision to stop electricity to Gaza, citing danger to the hostages and Israel’s obligation to them.
Petitioners argued that some hostages are elderly, injured, or chronically ill and have been held in subhuman conditions since October 7, 2023. They claim Energy Minister Eli Cohen’s decision is not legal as it was made without authority and failed to weigh relevant considerations.
The court has called on the petitioners to update them next week, but has deemed their demand insufficient time for a response. Petitioners also requested an urgent interim order to restore electricity while their case is heard, citing the risk of “disproportional and irreversible” harm to human life.
Critics argue that Israel’s decision to cut off electricity to Gaza is a populist move that primarily aims to impress its base rather than genuinely address humanitarian concerns. One family member of an IDF soldier held hostage described the move as “empty gestures” aimed at projecting strength, without considering the potential consequences on innocent civilians and hostages.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-845912