Israel Cuts Electricity Supply to Gaza Amid Hostage Crisis

Energy Minister Eli Cohen has directed the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) to immediately halt the supply of electricity to the Gaza Strip, intensifying pressure on the Hamas-controlled enclave where 59 Israeli hostages are still being held.

“We will employ all the tools available to us so that all the hostages will return, and we will ensure that Hamas won’t be in Gaza on the ‘day after,’” Cohen stated in a video message.

Cohen’s office released a letter addressed to the IEC, instructing it to cease selling electricity to Gaza’s power stations. The move follows Israel’s decision to stop the entry of goods into the territory, citing Hamas’s refusal to accept an extension of the initial stage of a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement. Officials have warned of further measures and a potential return to military operations.

Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled a willingness to escalate pressure, stating he would not rule out a complete electricity cutoff if Hamas did not shift its stance in negotiations over the hostages and an end to the war.