Israel is expected to dispatch a delegation to Doha for a new set of discussions aimed at prolonging a tenuous ceasefire in Gaza, following the decision to cut off the electricity supply as a means to exert pressure on Hamas.
The initial phase of the ceasefire concluded on 1 March without an agreement on further steps that could pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict; nonetheless, both parties have refrained from escalating hostilities fully since then.
There remain considerable discrepancies regarding the terms for a potential second phase of the ceasefire, which has largely curtailed the violence that erupted following Hamas’s assault on Israel on 7 October 2023.
Hamas has consistently urged for immediate talks concerning the subsequent phase, while Israel favors an extension of the existing agreement.
“We will employ all available resources to secure the return of hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer present in Gaza after the war,” stated Energy Minister Eli Cohen as he announced the power shutdown.
Palestinians gather with fishermen at the port of Gaza City
This action mirrored the earlier days of the conflict when Israel declared a “siege” on Gaza, cutting off electricity that was only restored by mid-2024.
The only power line connecting Israel and Gaza feeds the main desalination facility in the Palestinian territory, and Gazans primarily rely on solar panels and fuel-powered generators for their electricity needs.
Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are currently living in tents throughout Gaza.
Senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq declared that Israel’s decision “to sever electricity to Gaza, having already deprived it of food, medicine, and water” was a “desperate measure to pressure our people and their resistance.”
‘Long-term ceasefire’
Hamas has repeatedly insisted that the second phase of the truce—facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States—should encompass a comprehensive exchange of hostages and prisoners, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a permanent ceasefire, and the reopening of border crossings to lift the blockade.
Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem informed reporters that the group expects the mediators to ensure that Israel “adheres to the agreement… and progresses with the second phase in accordance with the agreed terms.”
Former US President Joe Biden outlined a second phase that would entail the release of hostages and the withdrawal of all remaining Israeli troops in Gaza.
A statement from Hamas indicated that their representatives met with mediators in Cairo over the weekend.
US envoy Adam Boehler, who recently engaged in unprecedented direct discussions with Hamas officials, expressed optimism that a deal could be reached “within weeks” to secure the freedom of all remaining hostages.
Israel has ceased aid deliveries to Gaza and announced yesterday the suspension of electricity supply.
Of the 251 hostages taken during the attack on 7 October, 58 remain in Gaza, comprising 34 individuals that the Israeli military has confirmed as deceased.
Boehler informed CNN that there could be “an agreement facilitating the release of all prisoners, not just Americans.”
Among the hostages are five Israeli-US nationals, four of whom have been confirmed dead.
On CNN, the US envoy stated that a “long-term ceasefire” was “very close,” while later, in an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, he asserted that the US would support any decisions made by Israel, including a potential return to conflict.
‘Nothing available’
In late February, US President Donald Trump issued what he referred to as a “final warning” to Hamas, threatening further devastation if the group failed to release all remaining hostages.
An earlier proposition from Trump to expel Palestinians from Gaza prompted Arab leaders to propose an alternative reconstruction plan without forced displacement.
The initial phase of the ceasefire, which began on 19 January, reduced hostilities following over 15 months of relentless conflict that displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents.
Displaced Palestinian children queue for food in northern Gaza.
During this period, 25 living Israeli hostages and eight deceased individuals were exchanged for approximately 1,800 Palestinians held by Israel.
The ceasefire also allowed for the delivery of essential food, shelter, and medical aid.
After Israel halted the flow of aid on 2 March, UN rights experts accused the government of “weaponizing starvation.”
Hamas’s attack in 2023 resulted in the deaths of 1,218 individuals in Israel, the majority of whom were civilians. Conversely, Israel’s retaliatory operations have claimed at least 48,458 lives in Gaza, also predominantly civilians, according to statistics from both sides.
