Israel Cuts Power to Gaza; Efforts to Extend First Ceasefire Phase

On Sunday, March 10, Israel announced that it would completely stop supplying electricity to the Gaza Strip. The consequences of this action are not yet clear, but the water desalination plants, which are the main source of drinking water in the area, depend on electricity. This decision comes amid escalating pressures on Hamas. Last week, Israel halted the shipment of goods to the region, a move reminiscent of the blockade imposed in the early days of the war with Hamas. Israel's aim with these pressures is to force Hamas to accept an extension of the first phase of the ceasefire, which ended last week. Israel demands the release of half of the remaining hostages in exchange for a commitment to negotiate a sustainable ceasefire. In contrast, Hamas insists that negotiations must enter the second phase of the ceasefire, which includes the release of all remaining hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and an agreement on a lasting peace. It is estimated that this terrorist group, supported by the Iranian government, still holds 24 live hostages and the bodies of 35 others. Hamas, which had previously warned that the cut in aid would affect the situation of the hostages, announced on Sunday that a new round of negotiations with Egyptian mediators ended without any change in the group's positions and continues to emphasize the immediate start of the second phase of the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel announced it would send a delegation to Qatar on Monday to 'advance negotiations.' During the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 last year, 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and over 250 others, including the elderly, women, and children, were taken hostage to Gaza. Following this attack, Israel launched an invasion of Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas and freeing all kidnapped hostages. The United States, the European Union, Israel, and several other countries and international organizations consider Hamas a terrorist group. Trump's envoy on hostages: Meetings with Hamas were 'very useful.' Israel agrees to advance negotiations for the release of hostages and extend the ceasefire. Hamas expresses willingness to resume negotiations following Trump's threat. Israel targeted a Hezbollah member in southern Lebanon. The Houthis in Yemen gave Israel a four-day deadline to lift the blockade on Gaza. The Israeli army attacked Hezbollah military fortifications in southern Lebanon. Israel: 24 hostages in Hamas's hands are still alive. Emergency meeting of European leaders; Germany: Support for Ukraine must continue.