Israel’s Negotiation Efforts Intensify Amid Threat to Cut Gaza Electricity Supply
An Israeli negotiating team will travel to Qatar for discussions on hostages and a ceasefire with Hamas, amidst Israel’s threat to cut electricity to Gaza. Eli Cohen announced the electricity cessation as a means to pressure Hamas, which has condemned it as blackmail. BG Effie Defrin is appointed as the new IDF spokesperson, succeeding Daniel Hagari.
An Israeli delegation is set to travel to Qatar on Monday to advance negotiations regarding the release of hostages in Gaza and to facilitate a ceasefire with Hamas. The team will include Gal Hirsch, the government coordinator for hostages, and Ophir Falk, a senior adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive in Doha later this week.
Recently, Israel announced plans to cease electricity supplies to Gaza as a strategic measure. Eli Cohen, Israel’s Energy Minister, stated that the country would utilize “all means available … to ensure the return of all Israeli hostages,” underscoring that Hamas would not remain in Gaza post-conflict. In response, Hamas condemned these actions as “cheap and unacceptable blackmail.”
Furthermore, Israel has appointed BG Effie Defrin as the new IDF spokesperson to succeed Rr Adm Daniel Hagari, with the transition being described as orderly and professional. The appointment was made by Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir and approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz.
As international diplomatic efforts unfold, the situation in Gaza remains tense. The United Nations has decried alarming reports of casualties in Syria, while the U.S. has escalated its stance against individuals suspected of supporting Hamas, signaling a complex interplay of humanitarian and geopolitical concerns.
In summary, Israel is intensifying its diplomatic efforts by sending a negotiating team to Qatar to address the hostage situation and pursue a ceasefire with Hamas. Concurrently, Israel’s decision to cut electricity supplies to Gaza underscores heightened tensions in the region. The appointment of a new IDF spokesperson reflects the ongoing developments within Israel’s defense framework amidst these negotiations.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
