Israel has decided to stop providing electricity to Gaza as part of its efforts to pressure Hamas during ongoing and chaotic negotiations regarding the fragile ceasefire agreement in the territory. This decision affects the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, many of whom rely on diesel-fuelled generators for power. According to humanitarian officials, the main desalination plant in Gaza may need to shut down, which would further reduce the already limited supply of clean water. Additionally, the remaining sewage treatment plant could also be affected.
Eli Cohen, Israel’s energy minister, announced the decision and stated that Israel will use all available means to ensure the return of its hostages and that Hamas will not remain in power after the war. Israel is pushing Hamas to accept an extension until mid-April for the initial phase of the ceasefire, which ended formally last weekend. In addition, Israel has cut off all supplies to Gaza and intensified strikes, with daily reports of civilian casualties caused by Israeli airstrikes, drones, or artillery.
Israel mostly seeks the release of more hostages believed to be held by Hamas and its allies. The group, however, has refused any extension and wants immediate negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire, which aims to bring a permanent end to the conflict. Hamas’ key demands include prisoner exchanges, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the lifting of Israel’s blockade.
Complicating the situation are direct talks between the US and Hamas, aimed at freeing American hostages being held by Hamas. Only one of the five American hostages is thought to still be alive. The US envoy involved in the direct talks described the meeting with Hamas as “very helpful” and believes a hostage release deal could be reached within weeks. Boehler acknowledged that Israel might be upset about the US talks with Hamas but emphasized his efforts to jump-start the fragile negotiations.
January’s truce halted 15 months of fighting in Gaza, resulting in the displacement of the entire population and significant destruction, as well as over 48,000 deaths, mostly civilians. The war began in October 2023 when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. During the first phase of the ceasefire, 25 Israeli hostages were exchanged for about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
Since Israel cut off aid to Gaza, UN rights experts accused the government of “weaponizing starvation.” US President Donald Trump also threatened further destruction of Gaza if all remaining hostages were not released and suggested plans to oversee the mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza for its reconstruction. Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, stated that this proposal is “taking shape” and plans to establish a “migration directorate” to assist Gaza residents who want to leave permanently. Arab leaders have proposed an alternative plan, where Gaza’s reconstruction would be financed through a trust fund, with the Palestinian Authority returning to govern the territory. Family members of Israeli hostages rallied in Tel Aviv, urging their government to fully implement the ceasefire and warning that the war could resume within a week, putting the hostages at even greater risk.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/09/israel-cut-off-electricity-gaza-hamas-ceasefire-negotiations
