New Delhi: Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant on Monday, October 9, announced a “total” blockade of Gaza, including a ban on food, electricity, water and fuel. Authorities will impose this move as part of “a complete siege” on Hamas-occupied Gaza, he said.
“We are putting a complete siege on Gaza … No electricity, no food, no water, no gas – it’s all closed,” Gallant said in a video statement, saying his country was at war against “beastly people”.
Over 2 million people live in Gaza, which has been under a blockade by Israel and Egypt since Hamas seized power in 2007.
On Monday, the Israeli military said it has re-established control over communities near the Gaza Strip which had been overrun by Hamas, which launched surprise attacks on Saturday. An army spokesperson added that isolated clashes were ongoing with some Hamas gunmen who were still active.
“We are in control of the settlements. There may be terrorists in the area,” said IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Daniel Hagari.
More than 1,000 people have been killed since Saturday when Hamas launched its attacks. Israel has declared that it is in a state of war with Gaza.