Gaza plunged into darkness as Israel cuts power amid ceasefire deadlock

Israel has officially cut off its electricity supply to Gaza, escalating an already dire humanitarian situation in the enclave. The move follows a decision last week to halt all goods and essential supplies to the region, which houses over 2 million people. The immediate effects of the power cut remain uncertain, but it threatens to severely impact water desalination plants, which rely on electricity to provide drinking water to residents.

The electricity cutoff is widely seen as a pressure tactic to force Hamas into extending the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. This phase, which ended last weekend, saw the release of 25 living hostages and the remains of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israel has demanded that Hamas release at least half of the remaining hostages as a condition for entering talks on a lasting truce.

However, Hamas has refused to comply, insisting on moving directly to the second phase of the ceasefire negotiations. This phase, according to Hamas, should include the release of all remaining hostages, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and discussions for a long-term political resolution. The militant group has stated that it concluded the latest round of talks with Egyptian mediators without altering its position, maintaining its call for an immediate transition to the next phase of negotiations.

Gaza Faces Growing Shortages as Electricity is Cut

Israel’s energy minister formally instructed the Israel Electric Corporation to cease electricity sales to Gaza, fulfilling an earlier warning that water and power could be next after the halt in goods. With much of Gaza’s infrastructure already in ruins from months of war, residents have been relying on generators and solar panels for basic power needs. The latest move is expected to further strain resources, compounding the Gaza humanitarian crisis as essential services falter.

The ongoing conflict, which erupted following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, has been described as the deadliest confrontation between the two sides. The initial Hamas ceasefire negotiations led to a temporary pause in hostilities, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza and humanitarian aid to enter. However, with supplies now halted and the power grid severed, reports indicate soaring prices and dwindling availability of essentials, heightening fears of a worsening crisis.

“I swear to God, one could not satisfy their hunger,” said Fares al-Qeisi, a resident of Khan Younis, reflecting on the hardships faced by civilians. He noted that conditions had slightly improved during the ceasefire, but the new restrictions have reignited concerns over survival.

U.S. Sees Potential for Extended Truce

Amid the deadlock, the White House has confirmed that U.S. officials have held direct discussions with Hamas. On Sunday, U.S. envoy Adam Boehler expressed optimism about a potential deal, stating that a longer truce could be possible. He suggested that an agreement might include prisoner releases and the disarmament of Hamas, though it remains unclear whether such terms would be acceptable to the group.

“I think you could see something like a long-term truce, where we forgive prisoners, where Hamas lays down their arms, where they agree they’re not part of the political party going forward,” Boehler said in an interview with CNN. “I think that’s a reality. It’s real close.”

He added that negotiations could progress within weeks, raising hopes for an agreement that could see all remaining hostages freed. However, Hamas reiterated its stance that a long-term solution must involve an independent governance structure for Gaza. The group has proposed forming a technocratic committee under the Palestinian Authority‘s umbrella to oversee administration until new presidential and legislative elections are held.

Israel has repeatedly rejected any involvement of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s postwar governance, arguing that it lacks legitimacy. Yet, it has not put forward an alternative framework for governing the territory if Hamas is removed from power.

Uncertain Future as Talks Remain Stalled

The prolonged negotiations and shifting demands have left the fate of Hamas ceasefire negotiations uncertain. With no clear resolution in sight, the humanitarian impact of Israel’s latest measures is expected to worsen. Aid groups have warned that Gaza’s reliance on external energy supplies makes the power cutoff particularly devastating, with crucial infrastructure at risk of failure.

The Israeli government, for its part, continues to argue that tightening restrictions is necessary to pressure Hamas into compliance. Meanwhile, civilians in Gaza face worsening shortages, rising prices, and growing fears of an extended blockade. As diplomatic efforts continue, the situation remains precarious, with the potential for either renewed conflict or a fragile path toward de-escalation.