Israel announced on Sunday that it is terminating the electricity supply to the Gaza Strip, escalating the tense standoff amid ongoing hostilities. Eli Cohen, Israel’s Energy Minister, stated that the directive was issued to cease providing electricity to the Palestinian territory. This action occurred shortly after Cohen had already halted all aid into the conflict-ridden region. “I have just signed the order to stop supplying electricity immediately to the Gaza Strip,” Cohen declared in a video message shared with AFP, underscoring a stringent stance. He further emphasized that Israel would “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 conflict ends.
The decision to cut power aligns with Israel’s earlier warning that essential resources, including water and electricity, could be targeted following the cessation of all goods supplies to Gaza a week ago. A letter from the energy minister to the Israel Electric Corporation reinforced this decision to discontinue electricity sales to Gaza. Given the extensive infrastructure damage in Gaza as a result of ongoing hostilities, the area has increasingly relied on generators and solar panels to meet its power demands. The immediate impact of the electricity cut could jeopardize water pumps and sanitation systems, as noted by the Associated Press. Gaza’s desalination plants, critical for converting saline water to drinkable water, may face operational challenges.
The recent measures come in the wake of a previous move by Israel to impose a tight blockade after the ceasefire ended on March 1, affecting over 2 million residents in Gaza. The blockade mirrors Israel’s strategy during the early phases of conflict with Hamas, aimed at exerting pressure on the militant group. Israel is pushing for Hamas to agree to extend the initial ceasefire phase by releasing half of the remaining hostages, in exchange for negotiating a longer-lasting truce. However, Hamas remains firm in its stance; it is advocating for immediate discussions on the more complex second phase of the ceasefire. This phase involves the release of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a sustainable peace agreement. Currently, Hamas is believed to hold 24 hostages alive, along with the bodies of 35 others.
Amidst ongoing talks mediated by Egypt, Hamas reiterated its call to commence the second ceasefire phase promptly, maintaining its refusal to alter its demands. The group also raised concerns that cutting off electricity could adversely affect Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. The first phase of the ceasefire had successfully led to the return of 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others, in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
With the conflict showing no immediate signs of resolution, the humanitarian consequences continue to escalate, intensifying the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. As this complex geopolitical situation unfolds, the fragile truce hangs in the balance, with both sides entrenched in their positions amidst international calls for a peaceful resolution.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/israel-cuts-off-electricity-supply-to-palestines-gaza-minister-says-move-to-come-into-effect-immediately-11741540131455.html
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Publish Date: 2025-03-09 22:51:00
