“Israel's” decision to reconnect a Gaza water facility to its electricity grid sparked controversy within the “Israeli” Knesset on Tuesday.

Also Read: Electricity partially repaired in Gaza amidst disease outbreak

Far-right members of the Knesset, including Minister Bezalel Smotrich, condemned the initiative as "foolish."

נפלנו על הראש לגמרי.
במו ידינו אנחנו משקמים את עזה. לפני פירוז.
ובעיקר את בתי החולים, כלומר מרכזי הטרור.

אדוני ראש ממשלה, עצור את האיוולת הזו.

הפעם אי אפשר יהיה לומר שלא ידענו כמו עם שחרור מנהל מפקדת הטרור בשיפא אתמול. pic.twitter.com/1Bsq7MHhgO

— בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) July 2, 2024

Recent footage on social media captured Gaza's electricity company repairing power infrastructure in Deir Al-Balah, restoring electricity after nearly nine months of blackout.

This comes as “Israel” plans to directly supply electricity to a major water desalination plant in Khan Yunis, funded by the UN to provide clean water to areas like Deir Al-Balah, Khan Yunis, and Al-Mawasi.

The facility, originally capable of producing 20,000 cubic meters of water daily, currently operates far below capacity due to inadequate power supply.

Military sources highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining “Israel's” international legitimacy by showcasing humanitarian efforts amid its military actions in Gaza, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Countries like the US have been pressuring “Israel” to ease its offensive and allow more humanitarian aid into the strip.

Smotrich and others argue against providing resources to Gaza, viewing any assistance as detrimental to “Israel's” security posture against Hamas.

Critics like Smotrich argue that providing electricity to Gaza indirectly supports what they term as "terrorist infrastructure," referring to hospitals and other facilities in Gaza.

Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu Party, echoed these sentiments, advocating for a complete disconnection of Gaza from “Israeli” supplies, including electricity, water, fuel, and goods.

As the occupying power in Gaza, “Israel” has legal obligations under international law to ensure the basic needs of the population are met, including access to electricity and water.

Historically, Gaza heavily relies on “Israeli” supplies for its electricity needs, but this supply was abruptly cut off last October, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.