Africa Business News

Israel ordered all of Gaza's electricity supply to be cut off on Sunday in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining Israeli hostages held in the territory. Energy minister Eli Cohen's announcement came a week after Israel cut off all aid supplies to the territory, which has a population of more than two million people. The decision to cut electricity is expected to primarily affect the operation of desalination plants which are crucial for providing clean drinking water. The government says it has not ruled out cutting off water supplies. Israel wants Hamas to accept an extension of the first phase of their ceasefire but Hamas wants to start negotiations on the ceasefire's second phase, which would see the release of the remaining hostages from Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces and a permanent end to war. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/africa-business-news--4166630/support.