The Cairo-based Arab League (AL) on Thursday strongly condemned Israel's declaration of the Gaza Strip as an "enemy entity."
"Gaza is an occupied land and Israel is the occupier and therefore should be responsible for the security and safety of the people living in the occupied territories," the AL said in a statement.
Israel should be fully responsible for the consequences of the decision, the statement said, calling for referring the issue to the bodies concerned in the United Nations.
On Wednesday, Israel decided to label the Gaza Strip as an " enemy entity" in response to an increased rocket attacks at southern Israeli communities from the coastal enclave which has been under control of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) since mid June.
In addition, Israeli ministers unanimously approved a number of sanctions against the Gaza Strip, including reducing the fuel supply up to a bare minimum and allowing in only enough fuel to power generators at Gaza hospitals.
Hamas, which is considered by Europe and the United States as a terrorist organization, also rejected Israeli cabinet's decision.
"This is an indication that Israel wants to escalate military actions against Gaza. The decision is a collective punishment to the Palestinians and we started contacts to stop Israel executing its plan," said the deposed Hamas government.
Last week, over 60 Israeli soldiers were wounded by a rocket targeting an Israeli military base near the Gaza Strip, sparking calls for the government to take harsh response against the Strip.
Source: Xinhua
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