JERUSALEM, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Israel wants to sever connections with the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip after militants blasted open the territory's border with Egypt, a top Israeli defence official said on Thursday.

"We need to understand that when Gaza is open to the other side we lose responsibility for it. So we want to disconnect from it," deputy Defence Minister Matan Vilnai told Army Radio.

It was not immediately clear how Israel intended to reduce its remaining connections with Gaza. Israel provides the territory with electricity and other essential supplies.

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