Israel aims to cut Gaza ties after war with Hamas

Israel aims to cut Gaza ties after war with Hamas

Israel has suggested that the long-term aim of its military campaign in Gaza is to sever all links with the territory.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that once Hamas had been defeated, Israel would end its "responsibility for life in the Gaza Strip".

Before the conflict, Israel supplied Gaza with most of its energy needs and monitored imports into the territory.

The statement comes as Israel continues its strikes on Gaza and aid remains blocked on the border with Egypt.

The bombardments are a response to attacks by Hamas gunmen on Israel on 7 October, in which at least 1,400 people were killed and 203 taken hostage. Israel is now poised to launch a ground offensive.

On Friday, Mr Gallant told a parliamentary committee that the first stage of the campaign was meant to destroy Hamas's infrastructure, according to a statement from his office.

Israeli forces, he added, would then launch "operations at lower intensity" to eliminate "pockets of resistance".

The third phase, he said, "will require the removal of Israel's responsibility for life in the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of a new security reality for the citizens of Israel".

Although Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, the UN regards the strip - along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem - as occupied land and considers Israel responsible for the basic needs of its population.

Israel has previously allowed Gazans to cross the border for work. It has also overseen imports into the territory to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas.

Following the 7 October attacks it cut electricity supplies, as well as deliveries of food and medicines. The UN calls the situation there "beyond catastrophic".

The US and Egypt have reached a deal allowing some supplies to start bringing relief Gaza's 2.2 million residents.

An initial convoy of 20 trucks had been expected to enter southern Gaza through the Rafah border crossing on Friday, but they are still stuck on the Egyptian side.

Humanitarian organisations say much more aid is needed.