Israel has announced its plans to halt the provision of electricity to the Gaza Strip. The full implications of this move are yet to be understood, however, it’s worth noting that the region’s desalination plants, which are crucial for the production of drinking water, rely on power.

This decision was announced a week after Israel chose to stop all goods supplies to the territory, which is home to over two million people. The aim is to persuade Hamas to extend the first phase of their ceasefire, which ended last weekend. Israel has proposed a deal whereby Hamas releases half of the remaining captives in exchange for a promise to negotiate a long-term truce.

On the other hand, Hamas is advocating for discussions on the more challenging second phase of the ceasefire. This phase involves the release of remaining captives from Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the establishment of a lasting peace. Currently, Hamas is believed to hold 24 living captives and the remains of 35 more.

In response to Israel’s decision to stop electricity supply, a new directive has been issued by the country’s energy minister to the Israel Electric Corporation, instructing it to cease selling power to Gaza. Israel had previously warned that water and electricity might be the next resources to be cut off when it halted all supplies.

The war has left Gaza largely devastated, with generators and solar panels being used for some of the power supply. The ceasefire has brought a temporary halt to the deadliest and most destructive fight between Israel and Hamas, which began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

The truce’s first phase allowed the return of 25 living captives and the remains of eight others in exchange for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces have since withdrawn to buffer zones within Gaza, and displaced Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza for the first time since the war began.

In the midst of these developments, the White House confirmed direct U.S. talks with Hamas, with envoy Adam Boehler expressing the possibility of a long-term truce. This could involve forgiving prisoners, Hamas disarming, and agreeing not to be part of the political party going forward.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the cut-off of all supplies leading to a sharp rise in prices for dwindling items. Despite this, Palestinians are hopeful, with one resident of the southern city of Khan Younis stating, “Since the ceasefire began, the situation has improved a little. But before that, the situation was very bad. One could not satisfy their hunger.”