Israel Orders Immediate Electricity Cut to Gaza Amidst Stalled Ceasefire Negotiations

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced on Sunday, March 9, 2025, that he has ordered an immediate halt to the electricity supply to the Gaza Strip. This decision follows a week after Israel blocked aid shipments to Gaza after the expiration of the first phase of the ceasefire. Cohen stated the move aims to exert pressure on Hamas, which continues to hold dozens of hostages since October 7, 2023. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the electricity supplied by Israel to Gaza was primarily for the operation of its sewage treatment plant. Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire have stalled, with Israel demanding the "total demilitarization" of Gaza and Hamas' exit from the territory, while Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire and its continued governance of Gaza.