Israel Initiates Total Electricity Cut to Gaza Amid Hostage Crisis

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the immediate cessation of electricity to Gaza, a move aimed at compelling Hamas to release hostages. This action follows the recent suspension of all aid supplies, further straining the already devastated infrastructure in the region.

Israel has taken a significant step in its ongoing conflict with Hamas by announcing the complete halt of electricity supply to the Gaza Strip. This decision was confirmed by Energy Minister Eli Cohen, who stated that the cutoff is intended to exert pressure on Hamas to release the remaining Israeli hostages held in the territory. The announcement came shortly after the Israeli government halted all aid deliveries to Gaza, which is home to over two million people struggling with limited access to essentials.

In a video statement released on Sunday, Cohen emphasized that Israel would employ all means necessary to secure the return of hostages and ensure that Hamas cannot continue its operations in Gaza. The electricity cut is particularly concerning as it is expected to severely impact the functionality of desalination plants, which are essential for providing clean drinking water to the population. The government has also not dismissed the possibility of a water supply cutoff.

Previously, Israel had already reduced the mains electricity supply to Gaza at the onset of the war. As the fragile ceasefire talks continue, with the first phase having ended on March 1, tensions remain high. While Israel seeks to extend the ceasefire, Hamas aims to negotiate terms that include the release of hostages and an end to military involvement in the region.

Currently, Hamas is believed to be holding 24 live hostages, alongside the remains of 35 others, and has signaled its intent to resume negotiations for a more comprehensive ceasefire. The militant group has raised concerns that halting basic supplies could endanger the hostages' lives as well.

The humanitarian plight in Gaza has reached alarming levels, with reports indicating that the territory's infrastructure has been largely destroyed due to ongoing warfare. The international community has begun to express concern over Israel's measures, with the United Nations office for human rights stating that obstructing essential supplies to civilians may constitute collective punishment.

Additionally, Hamas has shifted towards proposing an independent committee to run Gaza until elections can be held, working under the framework of the Palestinian Authority (PA), which operates from the occupied West Bank. Israel, however, has continued to reject any PA involvement in Gaza or alternative governance proposals post-conflict.

The recent escalation in violence has resulted in significant casualties, with a devastating toll on both Israeli and Palestinian civilians. While 1,200 Israelis, mainly civilians, have died due to Hamas's attacks, reports indicate that over 48,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have lost their lives in the recent conflict according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.