Israel Cuts Gaza’s Electricity Supply amid Truce Negotiations

Israel has ordered an immediate suspension of electricity supply to Gaza as part of its strategy to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. This decision comes as negotiations are set to resume regarding the ceasefire with Palestinian militants.

The move follows Israel’s recent blockade of aid supplies to Gaza, reminiscent of the initial days of the conflict when it imposed a total siege on the territory. Hamas has condemned the electricity cut, calling it an act of "blackmail," a term it previously used to describe Israel’s blockade of humanitarian assistance.

Although the first phase of the truce ended on March 1, both parties have refrained from full-scale warfare, despite continued sporadic violence, including an Israeli airstrike on Sunday targeting militants. Hamas has urged immediate talks to launch the second phase of the ceasefire, which it hopes will lead to a permanent end to hostilities.

Israel, however, favors extending the first phase until mid-April and has halted aid deliveries due to the ongoing deadlock. On Sunday, Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the electricity shutdown, emphasizing that Israel will use all means necessary to secure the return of hostages and eliminate Hamas’s control over Gaza.

Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq denounced the decision, calling it a desperate attempt to pressure Palestinians through coercion. The power cut affects Gaza’s only electricity supply line from Israel, which serves the main desalination plant. As a result, many residents rely on solar panels and fuel-powered generators for electricity.

Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians living in tents amid dropping temperatures. Over the weekend, Hamas representatives met with Egyptian mediators, demanding the immediate resumption of aid without conditions. Hamas also called on mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. to ensure Israel adheres to the truce agreement and proceeds with the second phase as planned.

Hamas’s conditions for the next phase include a prisoner-hostage exchange, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, the reopening of border crossings, and the lifting of the blockade. Former U.S. President Joe Biden had proposed a similar framework, advocating for the release of all remaining hostages, an Israeli withdrawal, and a lasting ceasefire.

After meeting mediators, Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanoua expressed cautious optimism, stating that preliminary signals were "positive." Israel, for its part, announced plans to send delegates to Doha for further negotiations.

The initial six-week phase of the truce had facilitated the exchange of 25 Israeli hostages and eight bodies for approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody. It also allowed critical humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, to enter Gaza. However, following Israel’s aid suspension, UN officials have accused the Israeli government of "weaponizing starvation."

At a UN food distribution center in northern Gaza, local residents expressed fears of renewed famine as supply routes remain blocked.

Fears Over Hostages and U.S. Pressure

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas, threatening further devastation in Gaza if all remaining hostages were not released. He also declared that any Gazans holding hostages were "dead." His administration confirmed recent direct talks with Hamas, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy, as Washington has officially designated Hamas as a terrorist organization since 1997.

Adam Boehler, the U.S. hostage envoy, stated that a deal could be finalized "within weeks" to secure the release of all captives, including American citizens. Of the 251 individuals abducted during the October 7 attack, 58 remain in Gaza, including five Americans, four of whom have been confirmed dead.

Trump has also proposed a controversial plan to expel Palestinians from Gaza, an idea that has faced widespread international condemnation. In response, Arab leaders have proposed an alternative solution involving a reconstruction fund and the reinstatement of the Palestinian Authority as Gaza’s governing body.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich acknowledged that discussions on this plan were progressing.

Hamas’s October 2023 attack resulted in 1,218 deaths on the Israeli side, mostly civilians. Israel’s subsequent military offensive has killed at least 48,458 people in Gaza, according to figures from both sides, the majority of whom were civilians.