Overview

• Israel's Energy Minister Eli Cohen ordered an immediate halt to electricity supply to Gaza, citing efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas.
• The electricity cutoff threatens the operation of Gaza's only functioning desalination plant, further straining access to clean water for over 2 million residents.
• Hamas has rejected Israel's push to extend the current ceasefire phase and insists on moving forward with negotiations for a permanent truce and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
• Direct U.S. talks with Hamas continue, with American envoy Adam Boehler expressing optimism for a potential hostage release deal within weeks.
• The ongoing blockade and recent airstrikes have drawn international criticism, with humanitarian groups warning of severe consequences for Gaza's civilian population.