Israel's energy minister has announced an immediate cut-off of electricity to Gaza, primarily impacting a wastewater treatment facility, amidst ongoing cease-fire discussions.
Israel Cuts Electricity to Gaza in Bid to Pressure Hamas Amid Cease-Fire Talks
Israel Cuts Electricity to Gaza in Bid to Pressure Hamas Amid Cease-Fire Talks
Israeli officials take further steps to challenge Hamas as negotiations continue for a lasting cease-fire in the region.
Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced on Sunday the immediate cessation of electricity supply to the Gaza Strip, a strategic move aimed at pressuring Hamas during sensitive negotiations over a fragile cease-fire. Cohen emphasized that Israel would exhaust all efforts to secure the return of hostages while ensuring that Hamas plays no role in Gaza’s post-conflict governance.
This decision arrives as discussions in Qatar are set to address the complex issues surrounding approximately 60 hostages—both alive and deceased—still held in Gaza, alongside critical governance questions for the enclave’s future. While Israel insists on Hamas's removal from any potential future leadership, Hamas has indicated a willingness to relinquish civilian governance but maintains its military presence.
The recent electricity cut is viewed as part of a broader strategy following Israel's earlier stop to humanitarian aid, which occurred after the initial phase of a cease-fire lapsed. Despite this latest pressure tactic, experts question its effectiveness, noting that Gaza has already been burdened by significant energy restrictions since the initiation of the ongoing conflict initiated by the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
As a result of the current power cut, a key wastewater treatment plant that had been functioning on Israeli electricity has been disconnected, which could lead to further environmental and public health concerns within the already devastated enclave.
This decision arrives as discussions in Qatar are set to address the complex issues surrounding approximately 60 hostages—both alive and deceased—still held in Gaza, alongside critical governance questions for the enclave’s future. While Israel insists on Hamas's removal from any potential future leadership, Hamas has indicated a willingness to relinquish civilian governance but maintains its military presence.
The recent electricity cut is viewed as part of a broader strategy following Israel's earlier stop to humanitarian aid, which occurred after the initial phase of a cease-fire lapsed. Despite this latest pressure tactic, experts question its effectiveness, noting that Gaza has already been burdened by significant energy restrictions since the initiation of the ongoing conflict initiated by the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
As a result of the current power cut, a key wastewater treatment plant that had been functioning on Israeli electricity has been disconnected, which could lead to further environmental and public health concerns within the already devastated enclave.
