Cutting Off Electricity: A Crisis in Gaza
In a concerning escalation of the conflict, Israel has halted the supply of electricity to Gaza, severely impacting a critical desalination plant that provides drinking water to a significant portion of the arid territory. This move has drawn sharp criticism, with Hamas labeling it as part of Israel’s “starvation policy.” The desalination plant, which previously produced 18,000 cubic meters of water daily, is now forced to rely on generators, reducing its output to just 2,500 cubic meters per day—equivalent to the volume of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. This drastic reduction in water supply poses a dire threat to the health and well-being of Gaza’s population, particularly during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, when access to clean water is even more critical.
The cutoff of electricity is the latest in a series of restrictive measures imposed by Israel, which suspended the supply of goods to Gaza last week. This move echoes the siege-like conditions imposed earlier in the war, leaving the territory’s already devastated infrastructure on the brink of collapse. Hospitals and other essential facilities, which rely heavily on generators due to frequent power outages, are now facing even greater challenges in providing care to the affected population. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassam condemned the move, stating that Israel has “practically” cut off electricity since the war began, disregarding international laws and norms.
Ceasefire Negotiations: A Battle Over Terms
The cutoff of electricity and goods comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt. Israel is pressing Hamas to accept an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire, which ended last weekend. As part of this deal, Israel is demanding the release of half of the remaining hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a commitment to negotiate a lasting truce. Hamas, however, is insistence on moving directly to the second phase of the ceasefire, which would involve the release of all remaining hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the establishment of a lasting peace agreement.
Hamas is believed to be holding 24 living hostages, in addition to the bodies of 35 others. The militant group has warned that any further disruption to essential supplies could jeopardize the safety of the hostages. Despite this, Israel has shown no signs of backing down, with its energy minister ordering the Israel Electric Corporation to cease power sales to Gaza. Israel has also threatened to cut off water supplies if Hamas refuses to comply with its demands. Meanwhile, Israel plans to send a delegation to Qatar on Monday to advance the negotiations, signaling a potential willingness to explore alternative avenues for a resolution.
Human Cost of the Conflict Intensifies
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with the suspension of goods and electricity deepening the suffering of its population. Fuel shortages, exacerbated by Israel’s restrictions, have made it increasingly difficult to distribute water and other essential supplies. The desalination plant, now operating at a fraction of its capacity, is a stark reminder of the territory’s vulnerability. Gisha, an Israeli organization advocating for Palestinian freedom of movement, has warned that water shortages are becoming a critical issue, with fuel needed not only for generators but also for distribution trucks.
The international community has condemned Israel’s actions, with the UN human rights office cautioning that denying civilians essential necessities may amount to collective punishment. The International Criminal Court has also raised concerns, suggesting that Israel’s actions could constitute the use of “starvation as a method of warfare.” Israel, however, has denied these allegations, claiming that it has allowed sufficient aid into Gaza and attributing shortages to the UN’s inability to distribute supplies effectively. Israel has also accused Hamas of diverting aid for its own purposes, further complicating the already dire situation.
International Reactions and Criticism
The international community has been vocally critical of Israel’s recent actions, with many accusing the country of employing starvation as a tactic of war. The International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last year highlighted these concerns, with the court suggesting that there was reasonable grounds to believe that Israel had used starvation as a method of warfare. South Africa has taken this allegation further, accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
Meanwhile, regional actors have also weighed in, with the leader of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, Abdul Malik al-Houthi, threatening to resume attacks on Israel-linked vessels off Yemen if aid to Gaza is not resumed. The Houthis, who describe their actions as solidarity with Palestinians, have previously carried out such attacks, adding another layer of regional tension to the conflict.
US Involvement and Hamas’s Position
In a surprising move, the White House confirmed that the US has been engaged in direct talks with Hamas, marking a significant shift in Washington’s approach to the conflict. US envoy Adam Boehler revealed that Hamas has proposed a truce of five to 10 years, during which it would disarm in exchange for a “fair and just solution” that includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. While Hamas has previously dismissed the idea of disarming as unacceptable, Boehler expressed optimism about the potential for a long-term truce, suggesting that Hamas might agree to lay down its arms and exclude itself from future political processes.
Boehler also expressed hope that a deal could be reached within weeks, emphasizing the need for the release of all hostages, not just American ones. His comments came as four of the five American hostages in Gaza were confirmed dead, with only Edan Alexander surviving. Hamas, however, has yet to publicly acknowledge the talks, instead reiterating its support for the establishment of an independent committee of technocrats to govern Gaza until Palestinian elections can be held.
Economic Hardship and Ramadan’s Toll
The suspension of goods and the cutoff of electricity have exacerbated the already dire economic conditions in Gaza, with prices for essential items soaring during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Palestinians in Gaza are struggling to afford basic necessities, as the limited supplies available are now being sold at inflated prices. The situation has improved slightly since the ceasefire took effect, but the overall conditions remain precarious.
As the conflict drags on, the humanitarian toll continues to mount. Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported that more than 48,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, with the majority being women and children. The destruction of infrastructure, coupled with the ongoing restrictions on aid, has left many Palestinians without access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare.
The demonstrations outside Israel’s defense ministry, led by relatives of slain and captured hostages, underscore the urgent need for a resolution. Protesters are calling on the Israeli government to stop stalling and secure the release of all hostages, while also demanding an end to the crippling restrictions on Gaza. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts, including the US-mediated talks with Hamas, can pave the way for a comprehensive and lasting peace.
The cutoff of electricity to Gaza and the suspension of goods have brought the conflict to a new and dangerous threshold, with the humanitarian crisis deepening by the day. The international community must continue to advocate for a resolution that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the protection of civilians on all sides.
