Israel Cuts Gaza's Power Supply

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - On Sunday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen confirmed that he had ordered the power supply to Gaza to be cut off to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.

According to Israel's national electricity company, Gaza currently receives no power, except for a brief restoration to operate waste management systems.

Israel’s decision to cut off electricity to Gaza is a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement, according to Hamas political bureau member Izzat Al-Risheq.

"The occupier's decision to cut power, close border crossings, block aid and fuel, and starve our people is collective punishment and a crime," Al-Risheq stated on Telegram Monday as quoted on Antara.

He described the move as a "desperate attempt to pressure Palestinians and the resistance through unacceptable blackmail."

This latest restriction follows Israel’s March 2 ban on humanitarian aid to Gaza, coupled with threats to escalate pressure on Hamas for rejecting a U.S.-backed ceasefire extension and hostage release plan.

From January 19 to March 1, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas allowed for hostage exchanges. During the six-week truce, Hamas released 30 surviving hostages and eight bodies, while Israel freed about 1,700 Palestinian detainees, including some serving life sentences, and withdrew troops from parts of Gaza.

Currently, 59 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with reports indicating that at least half have died.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas