Israel’s energy minister announced on Sunday the immediate cessation of electricity supply to the Gaza Strip, a decision that may have limited impact due to existing restrictions. This move is part of Israel's strategy to exert pressure on Hamas amid ongoing discussions regarding a fragile truce.
Eli Cohen, the Israeli energy minister, stated, “We will employ all the tools at our disposal so that all the hostages are returned, and we will ensure that Hamas does not remain in Gaza in the ‘day after.’” His remarks highlight the critical issues surrounding the fate of hostages and the future governance of Gaza in the context of cease-fire negotiations.
The ongoing talks are complicated by Israel's insistence that Hamas should not have a role in Gaza's future governance, while Hamas has indicated a willingness to relinquish civilian governance but has rejected the dissolution of its military wing.
Cohen's announcement coincides with preparations for cease-fire discussions in Qatar this week. This follows Israel's earlier decision to halt humanitarian aid and supplies to Gaza after the initial phase of a cease-fire expired.
The effectiveness of this latest pressure on Hamas remains uncertain, given the severe limitations on electricity supply imposed since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. Gazans have long relied on alternative energy sources due to pre-existing restrictions.
The immediate consequence of the electricity cut is the disconnection of a wastewater treatment plant in Gaza that had recently been operating on Israeli power. The Israel Electric Corporation confirmed it was ordered to cease power supply to that facility.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that a delegation would travel to Qatar on Monday to further advance cease-fire negotiations. Adam Boehler, the U.S. nominee for special envoy for hostage affairs, participated in discussions last week with Hamas officials regarding the release of Israeli Americans taken to Gaza, of which only one of five is believed to be alive.
U.S. officials are expected to visit the region this week to continue negotiations, which are also being mediated by representatives from Egypt and Qatar. Recently, a Hamas delegation met with Egyptian mediators as part of these discussions.
In January, after 15 months of conflict, Israel and Hamas reached a phased truce aimed at securing the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, the first phase ended on March 1 without an agreement on subsequent steps, prompting Israel to propose a temporary extension of the cease-fire.
The Israeli government's decision to cut off the limited electricity supply could influence ongoing discussions. Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, criticized the move, labeling it a “waste of time” and accusing Netanyahu of jeopardizing the cease-fire agreement and the safety of hostages.
Currently, Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing severe power shortages, with the territory having been in a state of blackout since the onset of the war. Years of conflict and an Israeli and Egyptian blockade have weakened Gaza’s electrical infrastructure, which previously provided only limited hours of power daily. A 2023 report indicated that Gaza's electricity was generated from a mix of Israeli supply and local sources, including a diesel power plant and private generators.
Since the war began, some residents have resorted to using generators or solar power, though fuel for these generators is scarce and heavily restricted by Israel. Israeli authorities have claimed that Hamas has stockpiled fuel intended for military use, including missile launches.