Israel Cuts Electricity Supply to Gaza Amid Ceasefire Talks
Israel has cut off electricity to the Gaza Strip, further intensifying the pressure on Hamas amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the decision on Saturday, stating, "I just signed an order for the immediate halt of electricity to the Gaza Strip." The move is expected to impact desalination plants, which provide clean drinking water, as well as a wastewater treatment facility that had recently been reconnected.
This latest restriction follows Israel’s earlier decision to cut off most of the electricity supply to Gaza after Hamas’ October 7th, 2023, attacks, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages. While Hamas has denounced the measure, Israeli officials argue that it is a necessary step to ensure the return of the remaining hostages and to weaken Hamas' control over Gaza.
The ongoing ceasefire talks, set to resume in Qatar on Monday, remain fragile. Israel wants to extend the first phase of the ceasefire, which involves hostage exchanges, while Hamas is pushing for negotiations on a second phase that would include an Israeli withdrawal and a permanent end to the war. Hamas has also reiterated its stance that an independent technocratic committee should govern Gaza until elections can be held, a proposal Israel has rejected.
Gaza has been in a near-total blackout since the war began, with residents relying on generators and solar panels for electricity. Fuel shortages have further strained access to power, and Israel has accused Hamas of stockpiling fuel for its military operations rather than civilian needs. The United Nations has criticized Israel’s actions, warning that blocking essential supplies could amount to collective punishment.
Despite these escalating measures, both sides continue to engage in mediated negotiations. U.S. and Egyptian officials have been involved in discussions, with a U.S. special envoy expressing optimism about a potential truce in the coming weeks. However, with hostages still held in Gaza and Israel showing no signs of easing pressure, the situation remains volatile.
