It is reported AP. The move was reportedly ordered by Energy Minister Eli Cohen to put pressure on Hamas to release hostages and comply with Israel’s requests in the ceasefire negotiations.
“We will adopt all the tools available to make all hostages return and we will make sure that Hamas will not enter Gaza “on the next day,” Cohen said in the video message, The Time of Israel. His office also sent a letter directing the Israel Electric Company (IEC) to stop selling electricity to the Gaza power station.
The full impact of the decision is unclear, but Gaza desalination plants that are expected to rely on electricity to produce drinking water will be affected.
The territory, home to more than 2 million people, has relied on generators and solar panels to deal with the severe damage of the war.
Announced this news a week later Israel cuts off all goods supply to Gazaciting Hamas refused to agree to extend the initial ceasefire phase. The first phase of the ceasefire and hostage release agreement ended last weekend, and Israel chose to increase pressure despite Hamas’ immediate negotiations in a more complex second phase.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously warned that measures would be taken if Hamas fails to make concessions in the ceasefire talks. Last week, he said he was ready to increase pressure, including cutting off all electricity from Gaza if Hamas remained unyielding.
(With input from the AP and Israeli era)
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