In the latest escalation of conflict, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the immediate discontinuation of electricity to Gaza on Sunday, stating this action is part of efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. This announcement follows a week after the Israeli government halted all aid supply to the besieged territory that is home to over two million residents.
Israel's Energy Minister Announces Total Electricity Cut to Gaza in Hostage Negotiation Strategy
Israel's Energy Minister Announces Total Electricity Cut to Gaza in Hostage Negotiation Strategy
In a bold move, Israel has ordered a total cut of electricity supply to Gaza in a bid to pressure Hamas over hostage negotiations.
Cohen emphasized in a video statement that Israel intends to employ all means necessary to ensure both the safe return of hostages and the elimination of Hamas's presence in Gaza after the conflict. The electricity cut poses severe implications for the region's desalination plants, crucial for access to clean drinking water. In a concerning sign, the Israeli government is also considering a water supply halt.
Previously, Israel had reduced its mains electricity provision amidst ongoing hostilities. As ceasefire talks resume in Qatar, Israel is pushing for Hamas to accept an extension to the fragile ceasefire, which initially lapsed on March 1. However, Hamas is prioritizing discussions regarding the second phase of the ceasefire, focusing on the hostages' release, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the cessation of conflict.
Currently, Hamas is believed to have 24 hostages alive as well as the remains of 35 others. The group warned that the electricity deprival may endanger the lives of the hostages. It recently concluded negotiations with Egyptian mediators without reaching an agreement, urging an immediate initiation of the ceasefire's next phase.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened, with essential infrastructure ravaged by the ongoing warfare. While Israel faces mounting criticism for its actions—deemed by the UN as potentially collective punishment—the Hamas leadership has proposed the establishment of a technocratic body to govern Gaza until elections can be held, an idea that Israel has rejected.
The recent conflict has led to massive casualties, with Israeli military actions resulting in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily among women and children, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry.
Previously, Israel had reduced its mains electricity provision amidst ongoing hostilities. As ceasefire talks resume in Qatar, Israel is pushing for Hamas to accept an extension to the fragile ceasefire, which initially lapsed on March 1. However, Hamas is prioritizing discussions regarding the second phase of the ceasefire, focusing on the hostages' release, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the cessation of conflict.
Currently, Hamas is believed to have 24 hostages alive as well as the remains of 35 others. The group warned that the electricity deprival may endanger the lives of the hostages. It recently concluded negotiations with Egyptian mediators without reaching an agreement, urging an immediate initiation of the ceasefire's next phase.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened, with essential infrastructure ravaged by the ongoing warfare. While Israel faces mounting criticism for its actions—deemed by the UN as potentially collective punishment—the Hamas leadership has proposed the establishment of a technocratic body to govern Gaza until elections can be held, an idea that Israel has rejected.
The recent conflict has led to massive casualties, with Israeli military actions resulting in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily among women and children, as reported by Gaza's Health Ministry.
