I'm sharing my policy brief for
@BESA_Center
on the consequences of cutting
#electricity
to
#Gaza
. I argue that the tactical benefits for
#Israel
are limited because
#Hamas
already adapted to the cuts, leaving population to bear the brunt. A short 🧵 ->
2
3
12
Replies
In my previous thread, I reviewed Gaza's electricity sector & explained how small diesel generators and PV panels help Gaza keep the lights on. Since then, Hamas reportedly emptied the diesel reserves from Gaza's power plant for its underground bases ->
Following
#Israel
's decision to cut the
#electricity
supply to
#Gaza
, I'm sharing a short informational thread with background on Gaza's electricity sector and the consequences of the supply cut: In times of peace, 50% of the electricity in Gaza is provided by Israel for free ->
123
2K
4K
1
0
3
Hospitals & other critical services have their own diesel generators, but they are reporting an imminent shortage. It is doubtful Hamas will replenish them. In terms of water, 90% is locally produced in Gaza, but 70% of that is undrinkable without water treatment facilities ->
1
0
3
The fact that Hamas emptied the diesel reserves will promise its bases electricity for months, but it's a huge problem for the water treatment facilities in Gaza that shut down. As a result, Israel was pressured by the US to resume water supply to Gaza ->
Israeli officials confirm they turned on the water supply to the southern Gaza strip. It happens after strong U.S. pressure in the last 48 hours
798
2K
8K
1
0
2
In terms of international law, Israel is walking a very fine line. So long as Israel can show that its supply cuts are a time-limited measure of war meant to hinder Hamas’s ability to operate and pressure it to release hostages, it would not be considered a war crime. However ->
1
0
3
As time goes on, if Israel does not allow some diesel supply to enter Gaza via trucks for hospitals and other essential needs, it can create a humanitarian crisis. Even if Hamas is the one who emptied the diesel reserves, it can be considered collective punishment by Israel ->
1
0
3
In addition, if Israel’s actions are seen as motivated by a desire for reprisal (vengeance) rather than as a temporary tactical measure, it may be considered a war crime. In that sense, statements by Israeli officials in this vein are very harmful to Israel's ability to act.
1
0
5
In summary, Israel's electricity and water cuts to Gaza, and Hamas' reaction to them, leave the population to absorb the brunt of the shortage. This forces Israel to resume some of the supply to avoid a crisis and lose international legitimacy. No easy solution to this issue.
1
0
4
For those asking for sources on the claim that Hamas is stealing diesel from Gaza’s power plant, and even from UNRWA facilities, here’s an account from UNRWA itself. There are many other on-the-ground testimonies, but this seems to be a primary source:
0
1
3
