Israeli shells also hit the electricity distribution network in northern Gaza. This came just two days after Israeli warplanes bombed Gaza’s main power station leaving much of Gaza without power. The United Nations is warning Gaza is three days away from a deadly humanitarian crisis unless Israel promptly restores fuel and electricity. According to the newspaper, Haaretz, Israel has not allowed fuel to flow into Gaza for four days. Many Gaza residents are now without clean water because they rely on electricity to pump water. The UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland said military action targeting innocent civilians violates international humanitarian law. Israel is also coming under increasing criticism for its decision to seize at least 64 Hamas lawmakers including the Palestinian Foreign Minister. One third of the Palestinian cabinet is now being detained by Israel.

• United Nations envoy Alvaro de Soto: “I’m not sure what purpose is served by these arrests (of Hamas lawmakers and ministers), I don’t understand how it fits into the purpose of an operation, which as I understood, was designed to obtain the release of Gilat Shalit.”

But Israel has defended the move.

• Public Security Minister Avi Dichter: “The North Korean issue is one, obviously, that’s got everybody’s attention now. And we discussed this issue in length. We both agreed that it’s very important for us to remain united in sending a clear message to the North Korean leader that, first of all, launching the missile is unacceptable.”

Earlier today Israel revoked the Jerusalem residency rights of four Hamas officials.