Israel’s Energy Minister Orders Complete Cut Off of Electricity Supply to Gaza
Israel has announced it will stop supplying electricity to Gaza, a move that could severely impact vital infrastructure, including desalination plants that produce drinking water. The full extent of the impact is not yet clear, but the decision escalates pressure in ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
Power Cut Follows Halt in Goods and Aid
This latest action comes just a week after Israel suspended all goods and humanitarian supplies to Gaza, affecting more than 2 million people. The pressure campaign is aimed at pushing Hamas to agree to an extension of the initial phase of a ceasefire, which ended last weekend.
Disagreement Over Next Steps in Ceasefire
Israel is seeking the release of half of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in exchange for renewed talks on a long-term truce. However, Hamas insists on moving directly into phase two of ceasefire negotiations, which would involve more complex and potentially permanent agreements. On Sunday, Hamas said talks mediated by Egypt concluded without any changes to its stance.
War’s Devastating Toll on Gaza’s Infrastructure
With much of Gaza already in ruins from the ongoing war, the region has relied on generators and solar panels for electricity. The new directive, issued by Israel’s energy minister to the Israel Electric Corporation, calls for an immediate stop to all electricity sales to the territory.
Ceasefire Paused Months of Intense Conflict
The temporary truce brought a brief pause to the most destructive and deadly conflict yet between Israel and Hamas, which erupted after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel. During the first phase of the ceasefire, 25 hostages were returned and the remains of eight more were recovered in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Humanitarian Aid and Civilian Return Interrupted
The ceasefire had allowed Israeli forces to retreat to buffer zones, enabling hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza for the first time in months. It also opened the door for hundreds of trucks carrying aid to enter the territory daily—until Israel suspended the flow of supplies as negotiations stalled once again.
