Israel Cuts Off Electricity in Gaza
World
The Israeli government has decided to completely cut off the remaining electricity supply in Gaza. This move is aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that these measures are intended to bring back Israeli citizens and end Hamas’ control in Gaza.
The impact of this decision on Gaza’s 2.3 million residents remains unclear. Most of the population relies on diesel-powered generators. However, the power outage could lead to the shutdown of the two functioning water desalination plants, exacerbating the already dire shortage of clean drinking water and potentially halting the operation of the only working sewage treatment facility.
Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq stated: “After depriving Gaza of food, medicine, and water, cutting off electricity is an unacceptable decision. This is yet another attempt to pressure our people and their resistance.”
Israel is seeking to extend the first phase of the ceasefire until mid-April. The truce, which took effect in January, officially ended last week. Previously, Israel had halted all shipments of goods into Gaza, arguing that Hamas was stealing humanitarian aid and using it for its own benefit.
However, Hamas opposes the extension of the ceasefire and is calling for the start of a second phase of negotiations to bring about a complete end to the war. The organization’s key demands include the release of Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, and the lifting of the blockade. Hamas representatives met with mediators in Cairo and are pushing for the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries.
The Israeli military has intensified airstrikes in Gaza and announced preparations for a large-scale offensive. On Sunday, Israeli forces reported carrying out an airstrike targeting militants in northern Gaza. Another airstrike was conducted in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, targeting a suspected militant group.
Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq stated: “After depriving Gaza of food, medicine, and water, cutting off electricity is an unacceptable decision. This is yet another attempt to pressure our people and their resistance.”
Israel is seeking to extend the first phase of the ceasefire until mid-April. The truce, which took effect in January, officially ended last week. Previously, Israel had halted all shipments of goods into Gaza, arguing that Hamas was stealing humanitarian aid and using it for its own benefit.
However, Hamas opposes the extension of the ceasefire and is calling for the start of a second phase of negotiations to bring about a complete end to the war. The organization’s key demands include the release of Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, and the lifting of the blockade. Hamas representatives met with mediators in Cairo and are pushing for the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries.
The Israeli military has intensified airstrikes in Gaza and announced preparations for a large-scale offensive. On Sunday, Israeli forces reported carrying out an airstrike targeting militants in northern Gaza. Another airstrike was conducted in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, targeting a suspected militant group.
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