As the first phase of the ceasefire ends, Israel has halted humanitarian aid and electricity supplies to Gaza, increasing pressure on Hamas, which holds hostages. Aid workers report worsening conditions for the two million residents. International courts have called for more aid, while Israel faces war crime allegations. Negotiations for a ceasefire and hostages are ongoing, with a delegation set to meet in Doha, as protests for an agreement resume in Tel Aviv.
As the first phase of the ceasefire comes to a close, Israel has taken decisive steps by halting the import of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Netanyahu administration is intensifying its pressures in negotiations with Hamas.
In addition to stopping aid deliveries, Israel has now ceased electricity supplies to Gaza. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the signing of an order to this effect, aimed at increasing pressure on Hamas, which currently holds numerous hostages.
“We will utilize every resource at our disposal to ensure the safe return of all hostages, and we will guarantee that Hamas will no longer have a presence in Gaza soon after,” Cohen stated in a video message.
Reports from aid workers highlight dire conditions on the ground.
Power Plant Ceases Operations Amid Conflict
Following the conclusion of the first ceasefire phase, Israel had previously mandated a complete stop to aid deliveries a week prior, intending to leverage pressure on Hamas. Humanitarian organizations have sounded alarms about the severe repercussions for the approximately two million residents of Gaza.
The electricity supply to the Gaza Strip from both Israel and Egypt has been unstable for many years. Since the onset of the Gaza conflict a year and a half ago, the sole power plant in the region has also stopped functioning, leaving many residents dependent on solar power and generators.
Withdrawal of Aid Goods and International Reactions
In the ongoing legal proceedings against Israel, the International Court of Justice mandated last year that the country must facilitate the delivery of significantly more aid to Gaza. This includes essential items such as water, electricity, clothing, and tents.
The International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Joav Galant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza conflict. The judges found sufficient evidence suggesting that Netanyahu and Galant “deliberately and knowingly withheld critical survival supplies for the civilian population in Gaza, including food, water, medical supplies, and electricity.”
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
Continued Negotiations in Doha
Israel is set to dispatch a delegation to Doha, Qatar, tomorrow to further negotiations regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of remaining hostages. Reports indicate that 24 living hostages and 35 bodies of abducted individuals are still in Gaza. Notably, Israel is not engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas; rather, mediators from Egypt and Qatar are facilitating the discussions.
A Hamas spokesperson expressed the organization’s readiness to enter into the next phase of negotiations, citing “positive signs” that a subsequent agreement on a ceasefire could be reached. Furthermore, the spokesperson noted that Hamas is open to discussions with U.S. representatives, who hold the capacity to influence Israel’s decisions.
The initial phase of the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has now concluded. The next steps remain uncertain.
Demonstrations Resurge in Tel Aviv
In January, an agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, which included the release of Hamas hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The negotiations for the remaining hostages are set to continue in the next phase.
On Saturday evening, large crowds once again gathered in Tel Aviv to advocate for an agreement.
This information was reported by Deutschlandfunk in the news on March 9, 2025, at 6:00 PM.