Israel has halted electricity supply to the Gaza Strip, intensifying an already dire humanitarian crisis as ceasefire talks with Hamas hit a deadlock. The move, ordered by Energy Minister Eli Cohen, is seen as part of a broader strategy to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and agreeing to Israeli demands.
Power Cut Adds to Gaza’s Woes
The decision to cut off electricity further complicates life for Gaza’s over two million residents. Water desalination plants, heavily reliant on electricity, face disruptions, worsening an already precarious situation. Hospitals, which are operating on limited fuel reserves for generators, are also at risk of severe service interruptions.
For months, Gaza has struggled with erratic power supply, relying on solar panels and backup generators. The Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) confirmed that it had received instructions from the government to cease all electricity sales to Gaza’s power stations.
Israel’s Strategy: Pressure Over Concessions
Israel’s latest move aligns with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warnings of escalating measures against Hamas. The government argues that ramping up pressure will leave Hamas with no choice but to comply with Israel’s terms in ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
Netanyahu and his administration believe that concessions at this stage would weaken Israel’s bargaining position. Hamas, on the other hand, has maintained that it will only negotiate a ceasefire if Israel agrees to a phased withdrawal and prisoner exchange.
The first phase of the truce ended last weekend, and while Hamas pushed for further negotiations, Israel opted to cut off supplies, including food and fuel.
Humanitarian Concerns Rise
The United Nations and international humanitarian organizations have voiced alarm over the worsening conditions in Gaza.
- Aid groups warn that hospitals will be unable to function without power.
- Water shortages could lead to outbreaks of disease.
- Gaza’s population is already struggling with food scarcity after earlier supply cuts.
International pressure is mounting on Israel to reconsider its blockade. The European Union has urged restraint, while Egypt and Qatar, key mediators in ceasefire talks, are pushing for an urgent resolution.
Regional Reactions and Political Ramifications
The crisis is reverberating beyond Gaza. In Israel, opposition leaders have criticized Netanyahu’s approach, arguing that prolonged conflict could lead to greater instability. Meanwhile, protests have erupted in parts of the West Bank and neighboring Jordan, condemning Israel’s latest measures.
The United States, a key ally of Israel, has expressed concern over the humanitarian impact of the power cut but has not publicly condemned the move. Instead, Washington continues to back Israel’s stance on negotiations, emphasizing the need for Hamas to release hostages.
With tensions at an all-time high, all eyes are now on whether external diplomatic pressure can break the deadlock before the crisis deepens further.
