A Major Escalation in Pressure on Hamas
Israel has taken another dramatic step in its pressure campaign against Hamas: Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced today (Sunday) that he has ordered an immediate halt to the supply of electricity to the Gaza Strip. The decision coincides with ongoing negotiations over a hostage deal and follows last week’s suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
According to Cohen, “We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure the return of all hostages and to guarantee that Hamas will not be in Gaza the day after.” At the same time, Israeli officials indicate that the next stage in Israel’s measures could involve cutting off the water supply to northern Gaza.
Significant Impact on Gaza’s Power Grid
Although Gaza has some capacity for independent electricity production, Israel’s decision delivers a major blow to the territory’s power system. As a result, the Strip will now have to rely primarily on generators and whatever fuel reserves remain. According to estimates, Hamas has enough fuel to operate generators for approximately 45 days.
The IDF has previously warned that cutting electricity could endanger the hostages and soldiers on the ground, as much of the power supplied to Gaza was used for water desalination facilities, which are essential for preventing life-threatening diseases. However, the emaciated state and reports of starvation from hostage survivors may have tilted the balance in favor of taking the risk.
Cabinet Meeting and Doha Negotiations
Tonight, the Security Cabinet will convene to discuss the mandate of the Israeli negotiation team set to leave for Doha, Qatar, tomorrow. The delegation will include a senior Shin Bet official, diplomatic advisor Ophir Falk, Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing Brig.-Gen. (Res.) Gal Hirsch, and representatives from the IDF, Mossad, and ISA (Shin Bet).
On Tuesday, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to join the talks, raising hopes for progress in negotiations to secure the hostages’ release.
Another Step in the Battle Against Hamas
A senior Israeli official clarified that as part of Israel’s “toolbox,” the option of cutting off the water pipelines to Gaza is also being considered, with the first expected to be the one supplying northern Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently called this “a step in the right direction” and assured that it is only the beginning of intensified measures to pressure Hamas.
The decision to halt electricity and the potential cut-off of water send a clear message to Hamas: Israel is determined to use every possible means to bring the hostages home and eliminate the threat from Gaza.
