The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch has criticized Israel for using "punitive measures" against the Gaza Strip, the organization's press service reports.
The organization stated: "The Israeli authorities' cutting off electricity in the Gaza Strip and other punitive measures against the civilian population of the Gaza Strip would amount to unlawful collective punishment, which is a war crime."
The statement also emphasizes that "Israel has repeatedly carried out indiscriminate airstrikes that have killed dozens of civilians (wiping out entire families), as well as strikes targeting civilians or civilian infrastructure, including the destruction of Gaza's high-rise towers, residential buildings and businesses, without any obvious military targets in the vicinity."
HRW also criticized Hamas for attacks on the Israeli population and hostage-taking.
It is important to note that earlier Israel announced a "complete siege" of the Gaza Strip in response to Hamas attacks.
