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Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced on Sunday that Israel has cut off electricity to the Gaza Strip, citing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
“I just signed an order for the immediate halt of electricity to the Gaza Strip,” Cohen stated. “We will operate all of the tools at our disposal to ensure the return of all the hostages and to guarantee that Hamas is not in Gaza for ‘the day after.’”
The move comes as ceasefire negotiations continue, with Hamas calling for an immediate start to discussions on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement—an approach Israel opposes. Instead, Israel seeks to extend the first phase of the deal to facilitate further hostage exchanges without committing to ending the war permanently.
In an effort to pressure Hamas into accepting new terms, Israel also announced a blockade of all aid into Gaza last week. Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Friday to push for the second phase of the agreement.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Israel has agreed to send a delegation to Doha on Monday for US-backed mediation talks. An Israeli source said on Saturday that Israel is “giving negotiations a chance” before resuming military operations in Gaza.
Melissa Enoch
The post Israel To Halt Electricity Supply To Gaza Amid Ceasefire Negotiations appeared first on Arise News.
