Israel Suspends Electricity Supply to Gaza to Pressure Hamas

On March 9, 2025, Israel announced that it would stop supplying electricity to the Gaza Strip, a decision made to pressure Hamas into “bringing all hostages back.” This measure follows the suspension of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, which was announced a week earlier. Israeli Minister of Energy, Eli Cohen, stated in a video that he had signed the order to immediately cut off electricity to Gaza and emphasized that Israel would use “all available tools” to ensure Hamas is removed from Gaza after the war. Meanwhile, both sides accuse each other of violating the ceasefire agreement that has been in place since January 19.

Direct Impact on Gaza’s Water Supply

The only electrical line between Israel and Gaza powers the main water desalination plant in the region, which is crucial for providing drinking water to over 600,000 people. Due to the electricity cuts, Gaza’s population is increasingly reliant on solar panels and gasoline-powered generators, with fuel entering the coastal territory sporadically. This situation is making daily life even more difficult for Gaza’s residents, who are already suffering from the hardships caused by the ongoing conflict.