On March 1, 2025 the first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestine ended. Exactly after the 9 days of ending the ceasefire deal, Israel cut off electricity to Gaza Strip. Rights groups have condemned this move by Israel, stating that it violates the basic rights of Palestinians. It seems that Israel’s move wants to pressure Hamas into ongoing negotiations.
Cutting off electricity and delaying aid to the people of Gaza has worsened the situation. The United Nations warned that further delays would take the lives of many innocent ones. According to the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories, Muhannad Hadi said on Monday, March 10, 2025, that stopping aid would destroy any progress the country had achieved during the period of ceasefire.
Many experts say that blocking necessities and cutting electricity is a strategy of Israel to harm civilians, affecting hospitals, water supplies, and daily life. Many humanitarian organizations have strongly criticized Israel for this action. According to them, it worsens an already dire situation.
Gaza is experiencing a worsening crisis, with international calls urging Israel to restore electricity and provide the basic needs to people to prevent further suffering.
Since the war began in October 2023, Israel has cut off major electricity supplies to Gaza. This action by Israel was symbolic and welcomed by the far-right. The far-right is a great supporter of Israel especially in blocking all humanitarian aid such as fuel and power. Israel has aimed to use these restrictions to pressure Hamas to free all hostages and attain other objectives.
After the electricity shortage, Gaza’s main desalinization plant, which supplies most of its drinking water is now running on generators. Furthermore, over 80% of its capacity has dropped, making it hard to give safe water to people. Unless Israel permits additional deliveries, the plant’s fuel supply will last for only 10 days. This shortage of fuel could worsen the situation of Gaza’s residents.
One of the senior officials from Gaza’s Coastal Municipalities Water Utility spoke secretly and shared these worries. Without fuel and electricity, it is very difficult for the people to survive their lives in Gaza.
Gisha, a human rights organization in Israel, has re-submitted its petition to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to the organization, a total shutdown of all border crossings for commodities is tantamount to a gross violation of Israel’s status as an occupying power. According to this organization, blocking aid such as food, medicine, etc, harms Palestinians and makes the situation worse.
At the same time, the US envoy, Steve Witkoff visited Doha, Qatar on Tuesday March 11, 2025. This visit has aimed for further ceasefire discussions. This trip was confirmed by a US official who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
This scenario points to continued issues in the area. Gisha’s appeal underscores the humanitarian effects of border closures, as the US presses on with efforts to broker peace. The results of these negotiations may affect aid deliveries and future diplomacy.
Israel also participated in ceasefire talks in Doha, Qatar, following an invitation from US-backed mediators.
This meeting is important as it is one of the only ways to continue the ceasefire negotiations involving the Biden administration, with Israel and Hamas representatives or intermediaries. The basic purpose is to enhance the agreement to further stop violence and move towards a peaceful resolution. The US has played an important role in these talks with a hope to attain stability in the region.
The details of these discussions are confidential but the involvement of both parties, Israel and Hamas in these negotiations raises hope for peace. They may have signed a potential agreement that could lead to temporary peace and pave the way for further diplomatic efforts in 2025.