Israel’s Gaza offshore gas plans condemned as illegal resource grab

Israel’s Gaza offshore gas plans condemned as illegal resource grab Submitted by Nadav Rapaport on Thu, 05/28/2026 - 15:16 Rights groups say exploration licences violate Palestinian sovereignty, while environmental advocates warn of risks A platform in the Leviathan natural gas field in the Mediterranean Sea, seen from the northern Israeli coastal town of Caesarea, on 29 August 2022 (Jack Gues/AFP) Off Israel ’s plans to explore for gas off the coast of Gaza have drawn condemnation from rights groups and environmental advocates. Since 2024, Israel has granted exploration licences for natural gas in areas considered part of Palestine ’s maritime boundary off Gaza’s shores. In February, energy minister Eli Cohen approved Israel’s fifth offshore gas licensing round in the Mediterranean.