According to The Times of Israel, Israel’s Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced that he has ordered the immediate halt of electricity supply to the Gaza Strip. Cohen was reported to have stated, “We will use all means in our hands for the return of all prisoners.” It was noted that Minister Cohen instructed the Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) to stop selling electricity to the power plants in the Gaza Strip. Israel had ceased the entry of all humanitarian aid materials into the Gaza Strip after the end of the 42-day first phase of the ceasefire agreement. Prime Minister Netanyahu had threatened to take “further steps” if Hamas did not hand over the prisoners.

HAMAS: CUT SINCE OCTOBER 2023

Hamas Spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated, “The Israeli occupation has effectively cut off electricity in the region since the beginning of attacks in October 2023.” Qassem emphasized that Israel, with this stance, blatantly disregards all international laws and norms, insisting on completing the genocide in Gaza by using a policy of starvation. Qassem called for the implementation of decisions rejecting the blockade of the Gaza Strip and the starvation of Palestinians, which were made at the Arab League Summit.