Saudi Arabia has taken the lead among Arab nations, including Qatar and Jordan, in condemning Israel's recent decision to sever electricity supply to the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli government announced on Sunday that it would disconnect the only power line serving a water desalination plant in Gaza as part of efforts to pressure the Palestinian militant group Hamas for the release of hostages.

This decision follows an ongoing impasse in truce negotiations.

In a statement, the Saudi foreign ministry condemned what it described as the Israeli occupation authorities’ use of collective punishment against the Palestinian population in Gaza.

The Kingdom urged the international community to urgently take measures to restore electricity and facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid to the region without conditions.

Qatar's foreign ministry echoed these sentiments, expressing strong condemnation of Israel's actions.

It characterized the electricity cut as a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

Jordan's foreign ministry spokesperson, Sufyan Qudah, referred to the electricity cut as a continuation of Israel's policies of starvation and siege, highlighting the recent blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The United Nations has raised alarms about the severe humanitarian implications of the electricity cut, indicating potential dire consequences for the civilian population in Gaza.

The British government also expressed deep concern over the incident.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its call for international accountability in response to these serious violations of humanitarian standards.

Qatar similarly called for immediate protective actions for the Palestinian people.

Jordan's Qudah urged the international community to fulfill its legal and moral responsibilities, demanding Israel’s compliance with the ceasefire and the restoration of electricity supply as well as reopening border crossings for humanitarian assistance.

Egypt, in a statement released by its foreign ministry, referred to Israel's decision as a new violation of international humanitarian law and part of a broader pattern of collective punishment against the Palestinian people.

Cairo urged global leaders to take necessary actions to halt these violations.

Amid these developments, Israeli negotiators are scheduled to engage in talks with mediators in Qatar, aiming to extend a fragile truce that has been in place since January, which primarily halted hostilities triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.