Israel has decided to cut off the electricity supply to Gaza as a result of Hamas’ refusal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire deal.
Although the full impact of the power cut is not yet known, Gaza’s desalination plants rely on it to generate drinking water for its population of over two million.
This move follows Israel’s decision to halt all goods supply to Gaza last week.
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Israel is pursuing an agreement from Hamas to extend the fragile ceasefire agreement’s first phase. This phase is set to release half of the remaining hostages held in Gaza in exchange for a commitment to negotiate a lasting truce.
Although the first phase of the ceasefire deal ended last weekend, it had previously halted the continuous bombing of Gaza since October 2023.
Hamas, responsible for the October 7, 2023, attacks that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in southern Israel and the capturing of 250 hostages, seeks discussions for the second and more complex phase of the ceasefire.
The second phase involves the release of all hostages from GAZA, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the establishment of a lasting peace.
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Hamas is believed to hold 24 living hostages and the remains of 35 others.
The first phase facilitated the return of 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas has announced the conclusion of the latest ceasefire talks with Egyptian mediators, without any changes to its position, advocating for an immediate start of the ceasefire’s second phase.
Israel has confirmed its intention to send a delegation to Qatar on Monday “in an effort to advance the negotiations” related to the ceasefire.
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The decision to halt supplies to Gaza, where local authorities report more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s military operation began, has faced criticism.
“Any restriction on the entry of essential supplies for civilians may constitute collective punishment,” stated the United Nations human rights office on Friday.
Israel denies these claims, asserting that sufficient aid has been allowed in and accusing the United Nations of failing to distribute it effectively.
Moreover, recent and direct talks between Hamas leaders and Washington focused on the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander, 21, from New Jersey.
