Israel has cut off the power supply to Gaza, which is likely to increase tensions as talks between Israel and Hamas are underway.
The decision, announced by Israeli Minister of Energy, Eli Cohen on Sunday, immediately stopped the Gaza Strip’s power supply, which has promoted the ongoing humanitarian crisis and affected the necessary services, including a clean planting plant to the population.
The action comes just a week after Gaza’s complete blockade of humanitarian aid, which is a mirror of the siege launched in the early stages of the war. The power cuts are expected to have a significant impact on Gaza’s already critical infrastructure, as the region has suffered severe shortages of electricity and necessary goods due to a prolonged conflict.
The only power line between Israel and Gaza provides most of the power in the area, including important facilities like the Dyslence Plant. The plant was providing 18,000 cubic meters of water daily to the central Dir al -Bala area of Gaza, but now it is expected that the loss of electricity will be significantly reduced.
Local authorities are concerned that the obstacle may cause serious water crisis, as Gaza’s fresh water access is already strictly limited during the conflict.
Hamas has called the power cut “blackmail”, and called it part of Israel’s wider strategy to force the militant group to comply with the demands of the hostages’ release.
Hamas spokesman, Hazm Qasim, labeled Israel’s actions as “a disappointing attempt to pressure our people and their resistance”. He further warned that the power deduction would only damage the suffering of the civilian population of Gaza, which is already suffering from mass migration and shortage of food, water and medical equipment.
Israel’s decision to reduce power came when the two sides are engaged in indirect negotiations to increase the ceasefire, which began in December 2024. In the first phase of the war ending March 1, the exchange of hostages and prisoners was witnessed.
However, Israel has called for an extension to the first phase to secure the release of more hostages before discussing the second phase, including the full withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza and the release of the remaining prisoners. Hamas has rejected Israel’s proposal, and called for immediate talks at the second phase of the ceasefire.
“We will use all our tools to bring back the hostages and make sure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza,” Cohen said in a video statement. Israel’s focus is on the release of the remaining 58 hostages, including five Americans, who are believed to be with Hamas in Gaza.
Electricity deduction came when Israel had stopped aid to Gaza, despite international demands for humanitarian sympathy. The United Nations has criticized Israel for its actions, UN rights experts have accused Israel that Israel has been accused of “hunger for weapons” by stopping the entry of essential goods.
Humanitarian groups have warned that suspension of aid can cause worse food and medical crisis, especially when Gaza enters the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Abu Mahmood Salman, a resident of Gaza, who was waiting for assistance in the northern city of Jabalia, expressed fear that the area could soon be facing a massive famine. “Now after this area is closed with fresh goods, we are very afraid of a new famine,” he said.
As tensions increase, the two sides are preparing for further negotiations. Israeli officials are ready to send a delegation to Doha on Monday to continue talks with Qatar, Egypt and the US mediators. The consequences of these debates may indulge that reconciliation is extended or if the conflict will once again arouse.
The second phase of the seizure fire, which includes the release of all hostages, the permanent elimination of hostages, and reopening the border crossing, is the most controversial point.
