The Palestinian group Hamas is believed to hold 24 living hostages and the bodies of 35 others. Following the latest round of ceasefire talks with Egyptian mediators, Hamas has stated that it requests to immediately initiate the second phase, maintaining its position unchanged.
Israel has issued an order to the Electricity Corporation to halt the sale of energy to the Gaza Strip. This measure adds to the previous interruption of all supplies, warning that both water and electricity could be at stake. Amid the devastation suffered by Gaza, a large part of the electricity supply relies on generators and solar panels.
The ceasefire has halted the deadly fighting between Israel and Hamas, triggered by an attack led by the latter in southern Israel in October 2023. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have lost their lives in the Israeli military offensive.
After the first phase of the agreement, which involved the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the population of Gaza has experienced partial relief, although the supply cut has significantly increased the prices of basic goods. For its part, the White House has confirmed direct talks with Hamas in search of a prolonged ceasefire.
Hamas has expressed its support for the proposal to establish a committee of technocrats to manage Gaza until Palestinian elections are held. Meanwhile, Israel seeks to pressure Hamas to extend the ceasefire, proposing the release of more hostages in exchange for negotiations and lasting peace. The effects of the power cut to Gaza could be severe, especially for desalination plants that need electricity to operate.
