Israel 'to cut Gaza power supply'

Israel's defence minister is preparing to approve cuts in the supply of electricity and fuel to Gaza to try to halt rocket attacks, officials say.

Ehud Barak is to meet with officials later on Thursday to discuss the temporary cuts, which will reportedly directly follow rocket attacks.

Israel supplies 60% of the electricity for Gaza's 1.5 million inhabitants.

Palestinian leaders responded to the threat by accusing Israel of inflicting collective punishment.

The cuts would be the latest measure to be adopted by Israel since it declared Gaza a "hostile entity" last month.

By formally declaring Gaza "hostile", Israel argues it is no longer bound by international law governing the administration of occupied territory to supply utilities to the civilian population. BBC