**Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen has announced an immediate cutoff of electricity to Gaza, intensifying an already critical humanitarian situation as part of efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.**
**Israel Cuts Electricity to Gaza Amid Hostage Crisis**
**Israel Cuts Electricity to Gaza Amid Hostage Crisis**
**Escalating Tensions as Israel Moves to Halt Power Supply in Gaza to Pressure Hamas for Hostage Release**
Israel has officially ceased the electricity supply to Gaza, a decision made by Energy Minister Eli Cohen, aimed at pressuring Hamas to liberate the remaining Israeli hostages in the region. The announcement follows last week's suspension of all aid deliveries to the coastal territory, which is home to over two million people. In a public statement, Cohen emphasized that Israel would employ every possible means to retrieve the hostages and eliminate Hamas's presence in Gaza after the conflict.
This decision is set to severely impact vital infrastructure, particularly desalination facilities critical for delivering clean water to the population. The Israeli government has indicated that the possibility of halting water supplies may also be under consideration. The Energy Minister's directive stresses the urgency of the situation, as he declared, "I have just signed the order to stop supplying electricity immediately to the Gaza Strip." Prior cuts had already significantly disrupted Gaza's electricity supply.
As negotiations for a potential extension of the tenuous ceasefire approach, the initial phase had concluded on March 1. While Israel seeks a continued truce, Hamas is advocating for discussions regarding a second phase that could incorporate the release of hostages, troop withdrawals, and a comprehensive end to hostilities. Reports indicate that Hamas is currently holding 24 live captives, alongside the remains of 35 others.
Gaza's infrastructure, already battered by ongoing conflict, is facing further strain. The lack of electricity threatens the continued operation of makeshift generators and solar panels, which are the only remaining sources of power for many. International bodies have criticized Israel's approach, warning that the denial of basic needs to civilians could be interpreted as collective punishment.
Hamas has reiterated its backing for an independent committee to oversee Gaza's administration, pending future elections, to be coordinated with the Palestinian Authority (PA). However, Israel has denied any role for the PA in Gaza's governance post-conflict and has yet to propose an alternative leadership structure.
The war, ignited by a Hamas attack in October 2023 that claimed approximately 1,200 lives in Israel—predominantly civilians—and resulted in the taking of hostages, has seen Israeli military actions reported to have resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. The latter has not disclosed how many deaths were combatants.
European leaders have rallied behind a pragmatic Arab plan for Gaza's future, while former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued stern warnings to Hamas amidst confirmed direct negotiations focused on hostage situations.
This decision is set to severely impact vital infrastructure, particularly desalination facilities critical for delivering clean water to the population. The Israeli government has indicated that the possibility of halting water supplies may also be under consideration. The Energy Minister's directive stresses the urgency of the situation, as he declared, "I have just signed the order to stop supplying electricity immediately to the Gaza Strip." Prior cuts had already significantly disrupted Gaza's electricity supply.
As negotiations for a potential extension of the tenuous ceasefire approach, the initial phase had concluded on March 1. While Israel seeks a continued truce, Hamas is advocating for discussions regarding a second phase that could incorporate the release of hostages, troop withdrawals, and a comprehensive end to hostilities. Reports indicate that Hamas is currently holding 24 live captives, alongside the remains of 35 others.
Gaza's infrastructure, already battered by ongoing conflict, is facing further strain. The lack of electricity threatens the continued operation of makeshift generators and solar panels, which are the only remaining sources of power for many. International bodies have criticized Israel's approach, warning that the denial of basic needs to civilians could be interpreted as collective punishment.
Hamas has reiterated its backing for an independent committee to oversee Gaza's administration, pending future elections, to be coordinated with the Palestinian Authority (PA). However, Israel has denied any role for the PA in Gaza's governance post-conflict and has yet to propose an alternative leadership structure.
The war, ignited by a Hamas attack in October 2023 that claimed approximately 1,200 lives in Israel—predominantly civilians—and resulted in the taking of hostages, has seen Israeli military actions reported to have resulted in the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. The latter has not disclosed how many deaths were combatants.
European leaders have rallied behind a pragmatic Arab plan for Gaza's future, while former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued stern warnings to Hamas amidst confirmed direct negotiations focused on hostage situations.
