Israel Orders Immediate Halt to Electricity Supply to Gaza Amid Aid Shortage
Minister Eli Cohen Orders Cutoff Amid Aid Shortage in Ramadan
Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen has directed an immediate cessation of electricity provision to Gaza, potentially disrupting desalination plants amid a dire shortage of humanitarian aid during the holy month of Ramadan. In a statement on X, Minister Cohen declared an immediate electricity cutoff to Gaza, stating, "Enough talk, time for action."
Electrical Disruption and Ongoing Aid Shortages
This directive comes over a week after Israel halted all goods supply to the Gaza Strip, home to over two million individuals, following the breakdown of a ceasefire agreement that concluded the 15-month Gaza conflict. Approximately 50,000 Palestinians have been fatalities, with the region extensively devastated. Israel seeks to extend the initial phase of a three-phase deal, while Hamas aims to transition to the second phase, as originally mutually agreed, yet unresolved due to disagreements regarding Israeli troop withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor.
Strain on Gaza’s Infrastructure
Gaza faces escalating difficulties in securing basic necessities such as bread due to the comprehensive blockade that has led to the closure of essential services like bakeries. Despite the cessation of air strikes, Gazans continue to endure hardships attributable to over a week of Israeli-imposed restrictions. Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary reports from Gaza City on the critical reliance of Palestinians on food assistance and the directly affected conditions of daily life, including food, water, and electricity availability.
Diplomatic Movements and Political Tensions
Hamas advocates for the swift initiation of negotiations on the ceasefire’s subsequent phase and sends delegates to Doha, Qatar, following discussions in Cairo, Egypt. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office affirms plans to send delegation members to Doha on Monday. The proposed phases of the ceasefire include an initial phase wherein Israeli captives were to be freed, followed by the second phase of releasing the remaining living captives and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, concluded by a reconstruction plan in the third phase.
Ceasefire Violation and Future Talks
Earlier on Sunday, Israeli forces killed two Palestinians in an attack near Gaza City’s Shujayea neighborhood, raising fresh concerns over the integrity of the fragile ceasefire. This incident occurred as fresh talks were set to resume in Doha on Monday. Israeli military spokesperson stated the strike targeted fighters attempting to plant an explosive device near their troops.
Humanitarian Concerns and Future Prospects
With the exact trajectory of future negotiations uncertain, the resumption of Israeli airstrikes and unrest in Rafah further complicate the scenario. The ongoing strikes and blockade gingerly maintain the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, causing significant distress amidst attempts to rebuild and recover. As calls for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces persist, international aid organizations and political entities closely monitor the fragility of the situation, advocating for the observance of international laws and the cessation of what they deem as violations of humanitarian principles.
