Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen has announced a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Gaza by ordering the immediate halt of electricity supplies to the region. This move comes a week after Israel blocked all aid deliveries into Gaza, a decision that has been met with strong criticism from Hamas. The Palestinian Islamist group has accused Israel of committing “collective punishment,” which they claim affects not only the civilian population but also Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.
The current situation echoes the early days of the conflict when Israel imposed a comprehensive siege on Gaza, cutting off essential services like electricity. Cohen emphasized that Israel will utilize all available means to secure the release of hostages and ensure Hamas’s influence is diminished in the region. This stance aligns with broader Israeli strategies aimed at exerting pressure on Hamas to accept terms for extending the ceasefire.
Last weekend, Israel’s decision to block aid was contingent upon Hamas accepting its conditions for extending the truce. The initial phase of the ceasefire, which ended on March 1, allowed vital supplies like food and medical aid to enter Gaza. However, Hamas is pushing for a transition to the second phase, which is intended to lead to a permanent end to the conflict. Israel, on the other hand, seeks to extend the first phase until mid-April.
The conflict has been ongoing for over 15 months, with significant humanitarian implications. Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel resulted in the capture of 251 individuals, of whom 58 remain in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas of severe consequences if the hostages are not released. Reports suggest Israel is planning to increase pressure on Hamas through a strategy known as the “Hell Plan,” which includes displacing residents and resuming full-scale fighting.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides locked in a stalemate over the terms of the ceasefire extension. The humanitarian impact of these decisions is substantial, with concerns about the well-being of civilians in Gaza and the fate of Israeli hostages.
