Tel Aviv: Israel has halted electricity to the last facility in Gaza that was still receiving power from the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC), intensifying pressure as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas continue.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced on Saturday that he had signed an order for the immediate shutdown of power to Gaza, stating that Israel would use “all available means” to secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas. The IEC confirmed it had acted upon the directive and cut off electricity to a wastewater treatment facility, the only site still receiving power from Israel since the initial cutoff after the October 7 attacks.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem downplayed the impact of the move, arguing that most of Gaza had already been left without Israeli-supplied electricity for months. However, he condemned the decision, accusing Israel of using "starvation policies" as part of its ongoing war against Gaza, in violation of international laws.
Since Israel launched its military offensive in response to Hamas' October 7 attacks—which left more than 1,200 dead and resulted in 251 hostages being taken—Gaza has been largely reliant on generators and solar power for electricity.
The move was welcomed by far-right Israeli politician Itamar Ben Gvir, who urged the government to take even stricter measures, including striking fuel depots and Hamas-operated generators. "Gaza should be completely blacked out until the last hostage is released," he stated.
The electricity shutdown comes as Israel and Hamas engage in negotiations over a fragile ceasefire. Talks are being mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, with delegations meeting in Cairo and Doha.
Israel recently halted humanitarian aid to Gaza, aiming to pressure Hamas into agreeing to an extension of the initial ceasefire agreement. While Israel seeks to continue the exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners while maintaining its military operations, Hamas is pushing for a second phase of the deal that would include negotiations for a permanent end to the war.
Despite ongoing talks, Israeli officials have signaled that military action could resume if a deal is not reached.Israeli sources said that while Israel is "giving negotiations a chance," it is prepared to return to fighting.
Meanwhile, US special envoy for hostages Adam Boehler expressed optimism that a new agreement could be reached in the coming weeks. He suggested that both sides have shown flexibility and that a deal could lead to the release of all remaining hostages, including Americans.
According to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, more than half of whom are believed to be dead. Among them are five American-Israeli citizens, with only one, Edan Alexander, confirmed to be alive. Senior Hamas official Taher Al Nunu indicated that Hamas is open to including Alexander in negotiations aimed at securing an interim agreement to end the war.
