Israel has cut off electricity to Gaza, affecting a desalination plant that provides drinking water to parts of the territory, officials confirmed on Sunday. The move comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations, with Hamas condemning the action as part of Israel’s “starvation policy.”
Last week, Israel suspended all goods entering Gaza, reminiscent of the blockade imposed at the start of the war. The latest power cut further worsens conditions for the over 2 million Palestinians in the besieged enclave. The desalination plant in Deir Al-Balah, which previously produced 18,000 cubic meters of water daily, is now operating on generators, reducing output to just 2,500 cubic meters per day, according to Israeli rights group Gisha. Water shortages are expected to worsen as fuel supplies, crucial for distribution, remain restricted.
The cut comes as Israel pressures Hamas to extend the ceasefire’s first phase, which ended last weekend. Israel is demanding the release of half of the remaining hostages in exchange for negotiations on a lasting truce. Hamas, however, insists on addressing the broader second phase, which includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces and a long-term peace agreement.
Ceasefire talks, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, remain deadlocked. Hamas completed its latest round of discussions without shifting its stance, while Israel is set to send a delegation to Qatar on Monday to push negotiations forward.
International criticism of Israel’s blockade has grown. The UN human rights office warned Friday that preventing essential supplies from reaching civilians could amount to collective punishment. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has previously cited allegations that Israel used “starvation as a method of warfare,” which is central to South Africa’s ongoing genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Israel denies these accusations, arguing that it has facilitated aid entry and blaming distribution failures on the UN and Hamas.
Meanwhile, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have threatened to resume attacks on Israel-linked vessels unless humanitarian aid to Gaza is restored.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’ attack on Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages, has since led to the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the enclave’s Health Ministry. The humanitarian crisis is deepening as Palestinians face extreme shortages of essential goods, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
In a surprising development, U.S. envoy Adam Boehler confirmed direct talks between the U.S. and Hamas. According to Boehler, Hamas has hinted at the possibility of a long-term truce in exchange for disarmament—an idea the group has historically rejected. However, a senior Hamas official reiterated that any disarmament must be tied to the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state.
As negotiations continue, the humanitarian toll in Gaza worsens, with civilians struggling to access basic necessities amid rising tensions.
Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2593001/middle-east