Israel's recent decision to cut off electricity to Gaza has plunged the region's more than two million inhabitants even closer to the depths of despair. On March 9, 2025, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced the controversial measure, ostensibly aimed at pressuring Hamas to release Israeli hostages held captive. Unfortunately, this move exacerbates what was already a dire humanitarian crisis.
Families across Gaza have been grappling with the loss of electricity for some time now, as the situation deteriorated dramatically following Israel's decision to halt all humanitarian supplies over the past week. This cut-off follows threats made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on March 3, which included the possibility of withholding water supplies as well.
A resident from Jabalia in northern Gaza, Ahmed Al-Najjar, shared how extreme these conditions have become. "We eat our pre-dawn meal and break our fast in complete darkness. Is it reasonable for me to wake up to prepare iftar for my family after kindling fire late at night?" Al-Najjar lamented, as he described the struggles faced by families to obtain basic necessities. He indicated there is now no electricity, no gas, and not even potable water available, compounding the challenges of daily life.
Another resident, Zakaria Khader, highlighted the interconnectedness of electricity and daily needs. "Electricity enters every detail of our lives, as does water, which is also linked to electricity," Khader explained, voicing concerns about the potential for fires ignited by candlelight as families attempt to cope.
The electricity crisis, which is not new to Gaza, has roots extending back to the conflict escalation from October 7, 2023, when Israel began to systematically cut off electricity supplies as well as prevent the necessary fuel from entering the strip. Initial analyses of the situation revealed serious threats to the operation of hospitals and other basic services.
Engineer Mohammad Thabet, spokesperson for the Gaza Electricity Company, elaborated on the grim realities. He reported, "From the first day of the war, Israel has severed all energy sources to Gaza by cutting off ten main lines providing approximately 120 megawatts of power." With many facilities now devoid of electricity for up to 521 days, the ramifications on the population's health and well-being are dire.
Despite desperate calls for assistance, there remains only one electrical line connected to the seawater desalination plant at Deir al-Ballah camp. This connection was facilitated through coordination with UNICEF but was also severed on March 9. The impacts of this severing are dire - the desalination plant had been operational for several months last year but is now rendered unserviceable.
The loss of such infrastructure threatens clean water access for many and could lead to increased disease outbreaks, as untreated sewage has nowhere else to go but the sea, leading to catastrophic pollution levels off the coastal waters.
a local health ministry report indicates the gravity of the situation. Hospitals have received nine martyrs, including five children and sixteen wounded just within the last 24 hours, showing the continuing toll the conflict takes on civilian life. Overall, since October 7, the efforts of emergency services and health ministries reflect exhausting pressures, leading to almost 48,467 deaths and 111,913 injuries.
The ramifications of Israel’s electricity cut extend well beyond immediate inconveniences. Critically, it's raising concerns among human rights advocates worldwide. Tanya Hari, the Executive Director of Gisha, emphasized, "This action reflects collective pressure on civilians in Gaza, resembling methods of collective punishment, which is prohibited under international law." Such perspectives challenge the moral underpinning of the Israeli strategy and point toward potential legal consequences.
Insiders argue on both sides. For some Israeli analysts, the move is regarded as part of broader strategy aimed at pressuring Hamas to return hostages. Eric Rodnitsky, a Middle East expert at Tel Aviv University, stated the approach could resonate with some Israeli voters. Yet, he recognizes the risks. "This decision could lead to accusations of committing war crimes and criticisms of Israel's actions from the international community, risking more hostility and backlash for the Israeli government."
While there is some support within Israel for taking strong action against Hamas, the negative humanitarian effects on Gaza can give rise to calls for diplomatic solutions instead. Observers note the delicate balance the Israeli government seeks to maintain, aiming to pressure Hamas without aggravate public sentiment internationally or worsening humanitarian conditions too severely.
Overall, as Gaza lives through this dark period, the ability for residents to secure water, electricity, and basic healthcare seems tenuous at best. For families like Al-Najjar's and Khader's, the darkness brought on by the cessation of electricity is more than just about light—it signifies broader struggles for dignity, survival, and the hope of brighter tomorrows.