Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen has ordered the immediate cutoff of electricity supply to the Gaza Strip, a move aimed at pressuring Hamas amid the ongoing hostage situation. The directive, reported by The Times of Israel, instructs the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) to halt electricity sales to Gaza power stations.
In a brief video statement, Cohen asserted, “We will employ all the tools available to us so that all the hostages will return, and we will ensure that Hamas won’t be in Gaza on the ‘day after’.” The decision comes as around 24 hostages are still presumed alive, while the bodies of 35 more remain in captivity.
Despite Cohen’s dramatic announcement, an Israeli official speaking to The Times of Israel suggested the impact of the decision might be less severe than portrayed. Electricity supply from Israel to Gaza had already been largely cut off following the events of October 7. However, Israel resumed partial supply in November to a desalination plant near Deir el-Balah, which serves over 600,000 people in central and southern Gaza. This plant’s power has now been terminated.
This move follows Israel’s decision on March 2 to halt the entry of goods into Gaza after Hamas rejected a proposal to extend the initial ceasefire and hostage release agreement. Israel has warned of further consequences and a potential return to military action.
While Western governments and Arab nations criticized Israel’s restriction of aid, the United States supported the decision. Israel maintains there is sufficient aid already in Gaza and accuses Hamas of exploiting supply channels to strengthen its control and fund attacks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at escalating measures, suggesting a complete electricity cutoff could follow if Hamas remains uncooperative in negotiations for hostage release and ending the conflict. Talks on the second phase of the ceasefire deal, initially scheduled for February 3, have been stalled due to Israel’s refusal to withdraw fully from Gaza without the release of all living hostages.
Meanwhile, indirect negotiations between the US and Hamas continue. On Sunday, Netanyahu announced Israel would send a delegation to Doha for further discussions.
Adding to the pressure, former US President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages and return of the deceased or face severe consequences. In a post on social media platform X, Trump warned, “Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you.” He pledged unwavering US support for Israel in its mission to “finish the job” if Hamas fails to comply.
The crisis continues to escalate, with mounting international pressure and the looming threat of further military action casting uncertainty over the region’s future.