Israel cuts electricity to Gaza to pressure Hamas to release hostages

Israel has cut electricity supplies to Gaza ahead of a new round of talks on a ceasefire in an effort to pressure Hamas to release hostages being held there. Hamas criticized this as "blackmail."

Israeli Energy Minister Cohen announced Sunday that he had ordered an immediate halt to electricity supplies to Gaza. "We will use all available means to free the hostages and make sure that the day after the war, Hamas will not be in Gaza again," he said.

Hamas political Bureau member Ahmed Rishke accused Israel of trying to pressure the people of Gaza and the resistance through "inferior and unacceptable blackmail."

"The decision to cut the electricity supply is a failed option and poses a threat to the Israeli prisoners, who can only be released through negotiations," Hamas spokesman Khalid Kanu warned.

The move comes a week after Israel stopped letting all aid into Gaza. A German government spokesman said Monday that Gaza is once again facing the threat of food shortages and that cutting off electricity is unacceptable and violates Israel's obligations under international law.

The first phase of the cease-fire ended on March 1, and Hamas has repeatedly called for immediate negotiations on the second phase, while Israel wants to extend the first phase until mid-April.

Israel sent a delegation to Doha on Monday for a new round of talks on a ceasefire. Hamas, which accused Israel of violating the cease-fire, has shown flexibility in talks with its facilitators and is awaiting the outcome of negotiations between Egypt, Qatar and the United States.

Another Hamas spokesman, Khalid Qassem, told AFP: "We call on the Egyptian and Qatari coordinators and the guarantors in the US government to ensure that Israel abides by the agreement... Enter the second phase on agreed terms."

Meanwhile, chief U.S. hostage negotiator Michael Bohler said Sunday he is confident Israel and Iran can reach a deal to release all remaining hostages within weeks.

Bohler had earlier held direct talks with Hamas officials for the first time. In an interview with CNN, he said: "I think it was a very effective meeting. I think something could be done in a few weeks... Get all the hostages out, not just the Americans." He also hinted that talks with Hamas might follow.

An estimated 58 hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, five of whom are dual American and Israeli nationals, while 34 are believed dead.