An Israeli negotiating team departed for Qatar on Monday to engage in discussions focused on extending the current ceasefire in Gaza, following Israel's decision to cut off the electricity supply to the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli government’s move to disconnect the only power line supplying electricity to a water desalination plant has been described by Hamas as "cheap and unacceptable blackmail."

The initial phase of a truce, which began on January 19, is set to expire on March 1, creating urgency around the talks.

This ceasefire was established in response to Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Israeli delegation includes a senior official from the Shin Bet security agency, and the team has left for Doha amidst ongoing tensions regarding the next steps in the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas has accused Israel of violating the conditions of the ceasefire by not entering into discussions for the next phase, claiming that Israeli actions reveal intentions to stall further negotiations.

An official familiar with the talks indicated the Israeli team is likely to advocate for an extension of the current agreement, rather than moving into a new phase.

In the context of the negotiations, Israel has halted humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, with Energy Minister Eli Cohen asserting that all measures would be employed to recover hostages held by Hamas.

This same ministry confirmed the disruption of electricity supplies, echoing earlier actions taken during the war, which had previously led to a complete siege on Gaza that lasted several months.

Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al Qanoua stated that Israel's actions could have dire consequences for hostages still in Gaza, specifically warning that cutting power poses risks to their well-being.

Criticism of Israel’s measures has emerged from Germany and Britain, both of which emphasized a need for Israel to adhere to international obligations regarding humanitarian support.

Kathrin Deschauer, a spokeswoman for the German foreign ministry, commented on the potential for a food shortage due to electricity cuts, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson expressed deep concern over the reports and urged Israel to lift the restrictions.

The Palestinian Authority, based in Ramallah, condemned the electricity cut as an escalation and part of a broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Currently, Gazans are heavily reliant on solar energy and fuel-powered generators, as the only power line has been severed.

Temperatures in the region are reported to reach as low as 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit) at night.

Officials from Hamas characterized the Israeli electricity cut as a desperate measure, aimed at pressuring Gazans during the ongoing conflict.

The organization has consistently called for the next phase of ceasefire discussions to include significant demands, such as a comprehensive exchange of hostages, the cessation of military operations, and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza.

Past negotiations saw former US President Joe Biden outline conditions for a second phase, involving the release of hostages and the withdrawal of all Israeli forces from Gaza.

US envoy Adam Boehler mentioned that direct discussions with Hamas have progressed significantly and suggested that a broad agreement might be achievable in the coming weeks, although he noted U.S. support for any Israeli action, including the option to resume military operations.

US President Donald Trump had issued a warning to Hamas in late February, threatening severe repercussions if they failed to release all hostages.

The ceasefire's initial phase was characterized by the exchange of hostages, with 25 Israeli captives traded for approximately 1,800 Palestinians held by Israel.

The conflict has resulted in substantial casualties on both sides; Israeli reports indicate the death of 1,218 individuals, mostly civilians, following Hamas's initial attack, while Israeli initiatives have led to at least 48,467 fatalities in Gaza, predominantly among civilians.

This ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis highlight the complex dynamics affecting civilian populations in the region.