Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks in Qatar Amid Electricity Cut to Gaza

Israel and Hamas to Discuss Ceasefire Extension in Qatar

Following a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, Israel is sending a delegation to Qatar on Monday, March 10th, for further discussions on extending the agreement. This comes after Israel cut off electricity supply to the territory in an attempt to increase pressure on Hamas.

The initial phase of the ceasefire expired at the beginning of March, with no concrete agreement on subsequent stages. These stages are crucial for securing a lasting end to the war that erupted after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023.

Both sides remain divided on how to proceed. Hamas demands immediate negotiations on the next phase, while Israel prefers an extension of the current phase.

The Israeli delegation will be led by a high-ranking official from the Shin Bet domestic security agency. In addition to cutting off electricity, Israel has also halted aid deliveries to Gaza.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated, "We will use all available tools to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza after the war." This echoes the early days of the conflict when Israel imposed a "complete siege" on Gaza, cutting off electricity until mid-2024.

Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanoua warned that cutting off electricity would impact Israeli hostages held in Gaza. He stated, "The decision to cut electricity is a failed option and poses a threat to its (Israeli) prisoners, who will only be freed through negotiations."

The sole power line between Israel and Gaza supplies the main desalination plant in the Palestinian territory. Gazans now primarily rely on solar panels and fuel-powered generators for electricity.

Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are living in tents across Gaza, where nighttime temperatures reach a low of around 12 degrees Celsius.

Top Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq condemned the Israeli decision, stating that cutting off electricity after depriving Gaza of food, medicine, and water was a "desperate attempt to pressure our people and their resistance.