In a significant development amid escalating tensions in the region, Israel has declared that the siege of Gaza will not be lifted until Israeli hostages are released from the Gaza Strip. This announcement comes as a response to Hamas's recent deadly attacks on Israel, which claimed the lives of over 1,200 people.

Israel's Energy Minister, Israel Katz, made the official statement, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He stated, "No electrical switch will be turned on, no water hydrant will be opened, and no fuel truck will enter Gaza until our hostages are safely returned." The hostages, numbering at least 150, were taken into Gaza during the weekend's violent clashes.

The retaliatory airstrikes launched by Israel in response to the Hamas attacks have resulted in over 1,300 casualties in Gaza and the displacement of 338,000 residents. This has placed immense strain on the humanitarian situation in the region. On Wednesday, Gaza's sole power station ran out of fuel, forcing the territory to rely on generators for electricity. Furthermore, the International Committee of the Red Cross has issued a warning that hospital generators could run out of fuel as early as today, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis.

The Israeli military maintains that its airstrikes are targeting Hamas's extensive network of tunnels, which have been used for launching attacks and evading detection. These underground structures have been a focal point of the ongoing conflict.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a growing need for international intervention to address the worsening humanitarian crisis. The Israeli government's decision to maintain the siege until the release of hostages adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation, as efforts to find a diplomatic resolution continue amidst mounting casualties and human suffering.