Mon Mar 10 15:46:29 UTC 2025: ## Israel Cuts Power to Gaza Amid Renewed Ceasefire Dispute
**GAZA CITY/JERUSALEM** – Israel has announced it has cut off all electricity supply to the Gaza Strip, escalating tensions and drawing widespread international condemnation. While Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen hailed the move as decisive action to pressure Hamas, reports suggest the power cut may be largely symbolic, as electricity from Israel had already been largely severed following October’s Hamas attacks.
The action is the latest in a series of moves by Israel to renegotiate the January ceasefire agreement. Israel has imposed a blockade on humanitarian aid since early March, aiming to force Hamas to extend the ceasefire’s first phase and release Israeli hostages. This has been met with strong criticism from numerous countries, including some of Israel’s allies, and international organizations, who cite breaches of international law and the potential for collective punishment of civilians.
The power cut has further exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the population is already facing severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. The move affects a desalination plant crucial for providing water to approximately 600,000 people, forcing reliance on backup power sources.
Hamas has vehemently condemned the Israeli actions, calling them “cheap blackmail” and “war crimes.” Meanwhile, Israel maintains its blockade is necessary to secure the return of Israeli captives and the extension of the ceasefire’s initial phase, reportedly based on a proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff has confirmed continued US support for Israel, including potential joint military action against Hamas, while simultaneously engaging in direct talks with Hamas regarding the release of five US citizens held captive.
Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan have all criticized Israel’s actions, joining France, Germany, the UK, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and the International Criminal Court in condemning the blockade as a violation of international law. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have similarly denounced the move.
Despite the escalating crisis, Hamas has indicated flexibility in negotiations, reportedly considering a 60-day extension of the ceasefire in exchange for the return of Israeli captives, potentially fulfilling some of Israel’s demands. The situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing military strikes by Israel in Gaza and a continuing threat of renewed conflict.
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