Israel: "All Means Will Be Mobilized for Hostage Release"
First Phase of Ceasefire Expires
Disagreements Between Israel and Hamas Over Ceasefire Extension
As ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas remain stalled, Israeli authorities have decided to cut off the electricity supply to the Gaza Strip in an effort to pressure Hamas.
According to the Times of Israel on the 9th (local time), Eli Cohen, Israel's Energy Minister, stated in a video statement that he had ordered the immediate cutoff of electricity supply to the Gaza Strip.
Minister Cohen said, "We will mobilize all means to ensure that all hostages return," adding, "We will make sure that Hamas does not remain in the Gaza Strip the day after (the ceasefire)."
Earlier, Israel's public Kan Broadcasting reported that Israel is pushing forward a "hell plan" to blockade the Gaza Strip. The plan aims to pressure Hamas by cutting electricity and other measures to secure the release of additional hostages.
The first phase of the 42-day ceasefire agreed upon by Israel and Hamas expired on the 1st. Although both sides have refrained from resuming hostilities for over a week, there has been no progress in extending the ceasefire.
Steve Witkoff, former President Trump's Middle East envoy, proposed that both sides agree to extend the ceasefire for about 50 days, during which Hamas would immediately release half of the remaining hostages, and if a permanent ceasefire is agreed upon, release the rest.
However, Hamas maintains its position that the second phase of the ceasefire must proceed as originally agreed, which includes the full release of all hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Hamas is conducting preliminary discussions for the second phase of the ceasefire negotiations in Egypt, the mediator country.
Israel plans to send a delegation to Qatar, the mediator country, on the 10th to discuss the ceasefire. Envoy Witkoff is also expected to arrive in Doha, Qatar's capital, on the 11th.
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