Doha – Israel has halted electricity supply to Gaza, raising concerns over the impact on essential infrastructure, including desalination plants. The move comes during Ramadan, as humanitarian conditions worsen due to ongoing aid shortages.
Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the decision on X, stating he had signed an order to “cut off electricity to the Gaza Strip immediately.” He added, “Enough with the talk, it’s time for action!”
The power cut follows Israel’s recent blockade on goods entering Gaza, a territory home to over two million people. This action comes after Israel backed out of a ceasefire deal that ended the 15-month-long war. The prolonged conflict has left nearly 50,000 Palestinians dead and devastated large parts of Gaza.
Disagreements over the ceasefire terms continue to fuel tensions. Israel insists on extending the first phase of the three-stage agreement, while Hamas demands a transition to the next phase, which would include Israeli troop withdrawals from key areas. Analysts suggest Israel’s reluctance to move forward signals a desire to maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic strip of land between Gaza and Egypt.
Hamas has condemned the power cut and aid blockade, calling it “a war crime and a blatant attack” on the ceasefire agreement. Human rights organizations have also criticized Israel, accusing it of violating international law by restricting aid.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, leaving residents without basic necessities as the conflict drags on.
