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The High Court of Justice has declined to issue a temporary injunction ordering the Israeli government to restore electricity to the Gaza Strip, Maariv reported on Tuesday evening.
The ruling comes amid growing concerns that Israel may further restrict essential services, including water supplies, to the Palestinian enclave.
A panel of three judges—Yitzhak Amit, Noam Sohlberg, and David Mintz—ruled that the matter should be addressed within the broader framework of Israel’s response to the ongoing suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The decision follows the government’s move to halt electricity sales to the Strip, a measure that has sparked legal and humanitarian concerns.
Legal Challenge Against Electricity Cutoff
The petition, submitted by human rights groups, argued that Israel’s decision to cut off electricity violates its obligations under international law.
Petitioners contend that as an “occupying power,” Israel is responsible for ensuring the provision of essential services to Gaza’s civilian population.
They accused Israel of using its control over vital resources as a means of exerting political pressure on Hamas, the governing authority in the Strip.
The petitioners further claimed that Israel has severely restricted humanitarian aid to Gaza in recent months, blocking not only electricity but also water supplies.
While Israel has previously allowed one power line to be connected to a desalination plant, it has refused to extend power to hospitals and other critical infrastructure.
Water Supply Also at Risk
The petitioners also requested a temporary injunction to prevent any further disruption to Gaza’s water supply.
They emphasized that civilians should not be subjected to collective punishment and argued that Israel must uphold its legal obligations even in the context of armed conflict.
Humanitarian organizations have warned that prolonged electricity and water shortages will have devastating consequences for Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, particularly as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues.
A recent photograph from Khan Younis, taken on July 29, captured the severity of the crisis, showing a child sitting next to empty water containers as Palestinians gathered in search of clean water.
Broader Implications of the Ruling
Israel’s decision to cut off electricity and limit water access to Gaza has been widely criticized by international organizations, including the United Nations.
In past conflicts, Israel has maintained some level of electricity and water supply to the Strip, but the current situation marks a significant escalation in the use of resource restrictions as a pressure tactic.
The High Court’s refusal to issue an immediate order leaves the matter in the hands of the government, which must now provide a more comprehensive response regarding its broader policy on humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The ruling raises concerns that further deterioration in living conditions could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in the enclave, where hospitals, water facilities, and essential infrastructure are struggling to function under severe shortages.
As the legal battle over Gaza’s electricity and water supply continues, human rights groups are expected to intensify pressure on Israeli authorities to reconsider their stance.
However, given the High Court’s ruling, any potential relief for Gaza’s residents is unlikely in the immediate future.