JERUSALEM: An Israeli negotiating team departed for Qatar on Monday to engage in talks focused on extending the tenuous ceasefire in Gaza, following Israel's decision to cut the Palestinian territory's electricity supply as a means to increase pressure on Hamas.

Prior to the negotiations, Israel disconnected the only power line supplying a critical water desalination plant in Gaza, prompting Hamas to condemn the action as "cheap and unacceptable blackmail."

The initial 42-day phase of the truce, which began on January 19, expired on March 1 without an agreement on subsequent stages that could lead to a durable resolution to the conflict that ignited following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Disparities in approach have arisen, with Hamas seeking immediate discussions regarding the next phase of the ceasefire, while Israel is advocating for an extension of the current phase.

Hamas accused Israel of not fulfilling its commitments under the ceasefire framework, claiming that Israel "refuses to commence the second phase," which has raised concerns among its leaders regarding Israel's intentions.

An Israeli official confirmed that the delegation, reportedly headed by a senior official from the domestic security agency Shin Bet, had arrived in Doha for talks.

In conjunction with the stalled negotiations, Israel has suspended humanitarian aid to Gaza and announced on Sunday its decision to sever the electricity supply.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen indicated that the nation would utilize all available measures to secure the release of hostages and to mitigate Hamas’s influence in Gaza.

His remarks echoed Israel's earlier military policies that enforced a complete siege on the region.

Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al-Qanoua expressed that the electricity cut would adversely impact the welfare of hostages still held in Gaza, characterizing the decision as a "failed option" and asserting that resolutions must arise from negotiations.

Israel’s latest measures have drawn critiques from both Germany and the United Kingdom, with German officials pointing out that the region could face severe food shortages, describing the electricity outages as "unacceptable and not compatible with international law."

The Palestinian Authority based in Ramallah labeled Israel’s actions as further proof of an “escalation in the genocide” against the people of Gaza.

Currently, Gazans depend on solar energy and fuel-powered generators, as the single power line from Israel supplies the primary desalination facility for the territory.

Reports indicate that hundreds of thousands of individuals are living in temporary shelters amid deteriorating conditions, particularly with nighttime temperatures hovering around 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit).

Prominent Hamas official Izzat Al-Rishq referred to the electricity cut as a desperate measure aimed at pressuring the population and its resistance movements.

Gazans have expressed increased despair, with one resident stating that the decision evidences a systematic effort of extermination.

Hamas continues to advocate for a comprehensive second phase of the ceasefire, which, according to their demands, should include a total prisoner exchange, a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, a persistent ceasefire, and the reopening of border crossings to alleviate the blockade.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem urged mediators to ensure Israel adheres to the terms of the agreement and progresses with the next phase.

The dialogue surrounding hostages has garnered attention internationally, with former US President Joe Biden highlighting initiatives that involve prisoner releases alongside the complete withdrawal of Israeli military presence in Gaza.

US envoy Adam Boehler, who has engaged directly with Hamas representatives, conveyed potential advancements in negotiations, with expectations for progress in securing the release of all remaining hostages, which numbers 58, despite many confirmed casualties among them.

During the preceding truce phase, 25 living Israeli hostages and eight deceased individuals were exchanged for approximately 1,800 Palestinians detained in Israeli jails.

Furthermore, the ceasefire allowed for the provision of essential humanitarian aid, including food and medical assistance.

The conflict initiated by Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in significant fatalities, with at least 1,218 casualties in Israel, primarily civilians.

In contrast, Israel's military response has reportedly led to the deaths of approximately 48,467 individuals in Gaza, also predominantly civilians.