Israel Halts Gaza’s Electricity Supply Ahead of Ceasefire Negotiations

Israel has decided to cut off the electricity supply to Gaza as Israeli negotiators are set to meet in Doha today. This development comes amid efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to revive ceasefire talks.

Hamas has condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of “cheap and unacceptable blackmail” and arguing that the power cut will only exacerbate the already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The group views this move as a form of collective punishment that further compounds the suffering of Palestinians in the region.

In the meantime, the United States has continued to engage with Hamas through indirect negotiations regarding the release of Israeli captives. A senior US envoy has acknowledged the positive role these talks have played, describing them as “very helpful.” The envoy also expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that there is a possibility of a resolution on the Gaza issue within a few weeks.

The toll of the conflict on Gaza has been devastating. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 48,453 Palestinians have been killed, with over 111,860 injured. However, the Government Media Office has since updated the death toll to over 61,700, citing that many are still missing under the rubble and presumed dead. The destruction has left Gaza in a state of severe devastation, with critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential buildings, destroyed or severely damaged.

On the Israeli side, the October 7, 2023 attacks have resulted in the deaths of at least 1,139 people. Additionally, more than 200 people have been taken captive by Hamas during these attacks.

As efforts to negotiate a ceasefire continue, there is growing international pressure on all parties to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The cutting off of electricity has sparked further condemnation and has raised concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, where millions of civilians are in desperate need of aid. Negotiations will likely focus on securing a lasting ceasefire and addressing the severe human cost of the ongoing conflict.