Israel to cut off all electricity in Gaza

Israel is to cut off any remaining electricity supplies to Gaza in an apparent attempt to ramp up pressure on Hamas amid increasingly chaotic multi-track negotiations over the fragile ceasefire in the territory.

- Jason Burke

The effect Israel's decision will have is unclear as most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents rely on diesel-fuelled generators for power.

However, humanitarian officials in Gaza said yesterday that they thought the two functioning desalination plants would be forced to shut down, further reducing the already meagre supply of clean water. Others have suggested the remaining sewage treatment plant could be affected.

In a video announcing the move, Eli Cohen, Israel's energy minister, said it would use "all means available... to ensure the return of all Israeli hostages" and that Hamas would not remain in Gaza after the war.

Israel is trying to force Hamas to accept an extension - until mid-April - of the first phase of the ceasefire, which came into effect in mid-January but ended formally last weekend. Israel has already cut off all goods supplies to Gaza, claiming that Hamas was stealing aid and profiting from its distribution.

Israel has also intensified strikes in the territory, while military officials have briefed that preparations for a major offensive are under way.

There are daily reports of casualties inflicted by Israeli forces.

Yesterday the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out an airstrike in northern Gaza which a spokesperson said was aimed at militants "attempting to plant an explosive device in the ground" near its troops.