Israel's energy minister announced an immediate cut-off of electricity to the Gaza Strip as part of pressure tactics against Hamas during fragile cease-fire discussions. While the action may have limited immediate effect due to pre-existing restrictions on Gaza’s power supply since the conflict began on October 7, it aims to aid negotiations for the return of hostages and to exclude Hamas from future governance in the enclave. This decision marks a continuation of Israel's broader strategy to influence cease-fire conditions, given the complicated humanitarian and political landscape in Gaza.
We will employ all the tools at our disposal so that all the hostages are returned, and we will ensure that Hamas does not remain in Gaza in the day after." Eli Cohen, Israeli energy minister, emphasized the urgency of returning hostages while reinforcing Israel's commitment to eliminate Hamas's influence post-conflict.
How meaningful the latest pressure on Hamas will be is unclear, given the severe restrictions that have already been placed on electricity supply to Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023 attack.
Cohen's decision came during a time of fragile truce talks, highlighting the interconnection between humanitarian aid, electricity supply, and geopolitical negotiations.
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