Israel Cuts Power to Gaza, Worsening Conditions After Blocking Humanitarian Aid

Gaza (Quds News Network)- After blocking humanitarian aid, Israel has now completely cut power to Gaza, further worsening conditions in the besieged enclave. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the decision, which follows over a week of halted aid deliveries.

Cohen signed an official order instructing the Israel Electric Corporation to stop any remaining power supply to the enclave. He cited his authority under Article 7(d) of a 1997 license. However, he did not specify when the blackout would begin. Reports suggest the move is immediate and indefinite.

Israel claims the power cut is a pressure tactic against Hamas resistance movement. It coincides with Israel’s continuous stalling of prisoner exchange negotiations. Israel has refused to enter the second phase of a ceasefire agreement that it had signed. Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. brokered the agreement.

Despite a ceasefire deal that began on January 19, Israel continues to violate its terms. Attacks on civilians persist, and aid deliveries remain blocked. The agreement includes three phases, each lasting 42 days. The first phase ended in early March, but Israel has refused to move to the next stage, which requires withdrawing its forces and ending the genocide.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to prolong the first phase. His goal is to secure the release of more Israeli prisoners without fulfilling the ceasefire’s military and humanitarian obligations.

Hamas, in contrast, insists on adhering to the agreement. It urges mediators to ensure Israel complies with all terms and advances to phase two, which includes a permanent ceasefire.

With phase one over, Israel has sealed all Gaza crossings, blocking humanitarian aid. The move is widely seen as an attempt to starve civilians in Gaza as leverage against Hamas. Israel has also threatened further escalation, including cutting water supplies and resuming full-scale military attacks.