Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz declared on Thursday that his nation would withhold essential resources and humanitarian assistance from entering Gaza until Hamas releases those abducted during its surprise weekend attack.

Katz stated, “No electric switch will be turned on, no water tap will be opened, and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home.” This follows the abduction of around 150 Israelis, foreigners, and dual nationals to the Gaza Strip by Hamas militants as part of the Saturday attack, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 people in Israeli towns and communities near the enclave.

In response, Israel launched a relentless air campaign against Hamas militants in the besieged Gaza Strip, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties.

Recent developments have seen Israel impose a “complete siege” on Gaza, severing the supply of water, fuel, and electricity. The territory’s sole power plant ceased operations on Wednesday due to a fuel shortage.