The Israeli move comes as it resumes ceasefire talks, demanding Hamas release hostages
\n Gaza
\nIsrael has cut off the electricity supply to Gaza in a move that is likely to escalate tensions as truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue.
\nThe decision, announced by Israel\u2019s energy minister, Eli Cohen, on Sunday, immediately halts the power supply to the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis and affecting essential services, including a desalination plant that provides drinking water to the population.
\nThis action comes just a week after Israel imposed a complete blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, a move that mirrors the siege it initiated in the early stages of the war. The electricity cut is expected to have a significant impact on Gaza\u2019s already fragile infrastructure, as the region has faced severe shortages of power and essential supplies due to the prolonged conflict.
\nThe sole power line between Israel and Gaza supplies much of the territory\u2019s electricity, including to critical facilities like the desalination plant. The plant had been providing 18,000 cubic metres of water per day to Gaza\u2019s central Deir al-Balah area but is now expected to operate at a significantly reduced capacity due to the power loss.
\nLocal authorities are concerned that the disruption could lead to a serious water crisis, as Gaza\u2019s access to fresh water has already been severely limited during the conflict.
\nHamas has condemned the electricity cut as \u201cblackmail,\u201d calling it part of Israel\u2019s broader strategy to force the militant group into complying with its demands for hostages\u2019 release.
\nA spokesperson for Hamas, Hazem Qassam, labelled Israel\u2019s actions as \u201ca desperate attempt to pressure our people and their resistance.\u201d He further warned that the power cut would only worsen the suffering of Gaza\u2019s civilian population, which is already grappling with widespread displacement and shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
\nIsrael\u2019s decision to cut power comes as both sides are engaged in indirect negotiations to extend the ceasefire that began in December 2024. The first phase of the truce, which ended on March 1, saw the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
\nHowever, Israel has insisted on extending the first phase to secure the release of more hostages before entering discussions on the more complex second phase, which includes the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of remaining prisoners. Hamas has rejected Israel\u2019s proposal, calling for immediate discussions on the second phase of the ceasefire.
\n\u201cWe will use all the tools at our disposal to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after the war,\u201d said Cohen in a video statement. Israel\u2019s focus remains on securing the release of the remaining 58 hostages, including five Americans, who are believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza.
\nThe electricity cut comes as aid shipments to Gaza have been halted by Israel, despite international calls for the resumption of humanitarian deliveries. The United Nations has criticised Israel for its actions, with UN rights experts accusing Israel of \u201cweaponising starvation\u201d by blocking the entry of essential goods.
\nHumanitarian groups have warned that the suspension of aid could lead to a worsening food and medical crisis, particularly as Gaza enters the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
\nA Gaza resident, Abu Mahmoud Salman, who was waiting for aid in the northern city of Jabalia, expressed fear that the territory could soon face widespread famine. \u201cWith the territory now closed off from fresh supplies, we are very afraid of a renewed famine,\u201d he said.
\nAs tensions rise, both sides are preparing for further negotiations. Israeli officials are set to send a delegation to Doha on Monday to continue talks with mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
\nThe outcome of these discussions could determine whether the truce extends or if the conflict will flare up once more.
\nThe second phase of the ceasefire, which would involve the release of all hostages, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and the reopening of border crossings, is the most contentious point.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Israeli move comes as it resumes ceasefire talks, demanding Hamas release hostages Gaza Israel has cut off the electricity supply to Gaza in a move that is likely to escalate tensions as truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue. The decision, announced by Israel\u2019s energy minister, Eli Cohen, on Sunday, immediately halts the power […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":466407,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-466360","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n