Israel has ceased electricity supply to Gaza, escalating tensions amid stalled ceasefire negotiations with Hamas.
The move, announced Sunday, impacts critical infrastructure, including desalination plants vital for drinking water.
Hamas condemned the action as part of Israel’s “starvation policy.”
This follows Israel’s prior halt of goods entering Gaza, intensifying pressure on Hamas to extend the initial ceasefire phase.
Israel demands the release of half the remaining hostages for a promise of lasting truce talks.
Hamas, however, seeks immediate negotiations on the ceasefire’s second phase, including a full Israeli withdrawal.
Hamas maintains its stance after Egyptian-mediated talks, demanding the immediate commencement of the second ceasefire stage.
Israel plans to send a delegation to Qatar on Monday to continue negotiations.
The electricity cutoff, warned by Israel, could severely affect water pumps and sanitation, despite most facilities relying on generators.
Hamas asserts that Israel has “practically” cut off electricity since the war began, and that this new action is a continued disregard for international law.
Israel faces mounting international criticism, with the UN and ICC raising concerns about collective punishment and starvation as a method of warfare.
Israel denies these accusations, blaming aid shortages on UN distribution issues and Hamas siphoning aid.
