Israel cuts Gaza electricity supply ahead of new ceasefire talks

Israel ordered an immediate halt to Gaza's electricity supply on March 9 in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages, even as it prepared for fresh talks on the future of its truce with the Palestinian militants.

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JERUSALEM -

Israel's decision comes a week after it blocked all aid supplies to the war-battered territory, a move reminiscent of the initial days of the war when Israel announced a "siege" on Gaza.

The truce's initial phase ended on March 1, and both sides have refrained from returning to all-out war despite sporadic violence, including an air strike on March 9 that Israel said targeted militants.

Hamas has repeatedly called for an immediate start to negotiations on the ceasefire's second phase, which was negotiated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, aiming to end the war permanently.

Israel says it prefers extending phase one until mid-April, and halted aid to Gaza over the impasse.

On March 9, it ordered a cut in the electricity supply.

"I have just signed the order to stop supplying electricity immediately to the Gaza Strip," Energy Minister Eli Cohen said in a video statement, adding, "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.

Just days after the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, following Hamas' attack, Israel cut electricity to Gaza, restoring it only in mid-2024.

The sole power line between Israel and Gaza supplies the main desalination plant, and Gazans now mainly rely on solar panels and fuel-powered generators to produce electricity.