Israel cuts off electricity supply to Gaza, demanding hostage release

Israel announced Sunday that it was halting the electricity supply to the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. Israeli Energy Minister stated the measure aims to pressure Hamas to release the hostages still held in Gaza. According to Israeli figures, 59 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, around 24 of whom are believed to be alive. 

In a letter released publicly, the minister instructed the state-owned Israel Electric Corporation to "cease the sale of electricity to Gaza." A spokesperson for the minister said the order will become effective "immediately." Israel has blocked aid shipments, including food, into Gaza since March 2, after the first 42-day phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire expired. 

In the first days of its onslaught in Gaza since October 2023, Israel had cut off electricity, food, medicine, and fuel supplies to Gaza, creating famine and a "catastrophic" humanitarian crisis in the enclave, according to the United Nations.