Israel Declares Gaza Officially an Enemy

Plans to cut off electricity, supplies and fuel

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 19, 2007 8:04 AM CDT

(Newser) – Israel’s Security Cabinet declared Hamas-controlled Gaza a “hostile entity” in a unanimous vote today, and plans to cut off almost all the region’s electricity, supplies and fuel shipments. Only essential food and medicine, and enough fuel to run hospital generators will be allowed in. Hamas described the decision as “a declaration of war,” reports the Guardian.

Israel promised not to cross “the red line when it comes to humanitarian needs,” according to CNN. Israel will also continue military strikes on Gaza, which has been firing rockets at southern Israel almost daily. The escalation coincides with Condoleeza Rice’s visit to the region to lay groundwork for peace talks between Israel and the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority, which could move Palestine closer to statehood.

Hamas militants pray as they participate in a military exercise in the Jebaliya Refugee Camp, northern Gaza Strip, early Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa) (Associated Press)

Hamas militants take positions as they participate in a military exercise in the Jebaliya Refugee Camp, northern Gaza Strip, early Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa) (Associated Press)

An Israeli armored vehicle makes its way towards the Gaza Strip, at a staging base on the border with Israel, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007. A Palestinian rocket exploded in an Israeli army base early Tuesday,... (Associated Press)

Israeli soldiers stand next to armored vehicles at a base on Israel's border with the northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2007. A Palestinian rocket exploded in an Israeli army base early Tuesday,... (Associated Press)

Palestinian children hold lanterns as they celebrate the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in Gaza City, Monday, Sept. 17, 2007. Ramadan is the month where devout Muslims fast from dawn until dusk.... (Associated Press)

Masked members of the Al Quds Brigades, the Islamic Jihad military wing, and The Popular Front for Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) stand with their guns held up during a press conference in Gaza City,... (Associated Press)

An Israeli soldier guards blindfolded and handcuffed Palestinians captured by Israeli forces in a raid in Gaza, near the Mefalsim kibbutz area in southern Israel, just outside the Gaza Strip, Saturday,... (Associated Press)

Israeli soldiers guard blindfolded and handcuffed Palestinians captured by Israeli forces in a raid in Gaza, near the Mefalsim kibbutz area in southern Israel, just outside the Gaza Strip, Saturday, Sept.... (Associated Press)

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Palestinians Seek $5.6B in Talks

60 nations meet in Paris to bankroll the Palestinian Authority

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Netanyahu, Hamas complicate Hillary's already difficult mission

Israel, Palestine Need Outside Support for Lasting Fix

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Israelis Near Gaza See Slim— or No—Victory

Residents still fear rockets, think war should have continued

Israel's Only Option: Destroy Hamas Entirely

Krauthammer: Olmert has a second chance to defeat extremism

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