Israel’s negotiating team traveled to Qatar on Monday to engage in talks aimed at extending the fragile Gaza ceasefire. This move comes after Israel cut off the electricity supply to Gaza, a decision intended to increase pressure on Hamas. The electricity cut affected a critical water desalination plant, prompting Hamas to denounce the action as “cheap and unacceptable blackmail.” The first phase of the truce deal expired on March 1 without an agreement on subsequent stages, which are crucial for securing a lasting end to the conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
Differences persist between Hamas and Israel regarding how to proceed. Hamas seeks immediate negotiations on the next phase, while Israel prefers extending the first phase. Hamas accused Israel of reneging on the ceasefire deal, stating that Israel refuses to commence the second phase, which Hamas sees as an attempt to evade and stall. An Israeli delegation, reportedly led by a top Shin Bet official, departed for Doha to engage in these critical talks.
Israel has halted aid deliveries to Gaza amid the deadlock and announced the electricity supply cut. Energy Minister Eli Cohen emphasized that Israel will use all available tools to bring back hostages and ensure Hamas is no longer in Gaza. This move echoes earlier actions during the war when Israel imposed a “complete siege” on Gaza, severing electricity supplies that were only restored in mid-2024.
Hamas officials have warned that Israel’s decision will impact the hostages still held in Gaza. Spokesman Abdul Latif Al Qanoua stated that the electricity cut is a failed strategy that threatens Israeli prisoners, who will only be freed through negotiations. International criticism has mounted, with Germany and Britain condemning Israel’s actions. Germany noted that Gaza faces a food shortage due to these measures, while Britain urged Israel to lift the restrictions.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with hundreds of thousands living in tents and relying on solar panels and generators for electricity. Hamas demands a comprehensive hostage-prisoner exchange, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the reopening of border crossings to end the blockade. The US has been involved in mediating a potential deal, with US envoy Adam Boehler suggesting a long-term truce could be close, though he also stated that Washington would support any Israeli decision, including a return to war.
