In brief
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen has cut off electricity to Gaza, intensifying pressure on Hamas during critical cease-fire talks.
The decision came as negotiations in Qatar seek to address both the future governance of Gaza and the fate of hostages. Here’s the latest on the situation. Israel’s energy minister announced the immediate termination of electricity supply to the Gaza Strip on Sunday, amid heightened tensions with Hamas and ongoing discussions regarding a fragile cease-fire. Eli Cohen stated that the decision aims to pressure Hamas in their negotiations for the return of hostages. “We will employ all the tools at our disposal to ensure all hostages are returned, and to prevent Hamas from having a future role in Gaza,” Cohen emphasized in his statement. The ongoing discussions in Qatar focus on critical issues, including the fate of approximately five dozen hostages, both living and deceased, who remain in Gaza.Hamas has indicated a willingness to relinquish its civilian governance but has firmly opposed any moves to dissolve its military operations, creating a deadlock in talks. This electricity cut follows Israel's recent measures to halt humanitarian aid and supplies to Gaza as the initial phase of a cease-fire ended earlier this month.The efficacy of this latest pressure tactic remains uncertain, given the long-standing restrictions on electricity supply in Gaza, which were imposed following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Gazans have historically relied on alternative energy sources due to these limitations. The most immediate consequence of the power cut is the disconnection of a wastewater treatment plant in Gaza, a facility previously reliant on Israeli electricity and crucial for maintaining sanitation in the region.
