Israel Cuts Off Electricity to Gaza, Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

Israel has announced plans to cut off electricity supply to Gaza, citing the need to pressure Hamas into releasing remaining Israeli hostages. Energy Minister Eli Cohen made the announcement on Sunday, stating, “We will use all the tools at our disposal to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after [the war].

This move is expected to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over two million people reside. The power cutoff will likely cripple essential services, particularly desalination plants that provide clean drinking water. The Israeli government has also hinted at cutting off water supplies, further deepening the crisis.

Although Israel had previously reduced electricity supply to Gaza, Sunday’s order marks a complete suspension of supply. Gaza’s infrastructure has been severely damaged due to months of conflict, with residents relying on generators and solar panels for limited power.

Hamas has warned that further cuts to supplies could impact the hostages, and has renewed its demand to move to the ceasefire’s second phase immediately. This phase would involve the release of all remaining hostages, the withdrawal of Israel forces, and a permanent end to the conflict.

The United Nations human rights office has criticized Israel’s blockade, stating, “Any denial of the entry of the necessities of life for civilians may amount to collective punishment.” The international community is calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, with talks set to resume in Qatar on Monday to extend the fragile ceasefire.