The first phase of the deal expired at the beginning of March with no agreement on subsequent stages that should secure a lasting end to Israel’s war in Gaza.
Hamas accused Israel of reneging on the ceasefire deal, saying in a statement on Monday Israel “refuses to commence the second phase, exposing its intentions of evasion and stalling”.
Media reports said a top official from the domestic security agency Shin Bet will lead Israel’s delegation.
Israel has halted aid deliveries to Gaza amid the deadlock, and on Sunday announced it was cutting off the territory’s electricity supply.
“We will use all the tools at our disposal to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after” the war, Energy Minister Eli Cohen said as he ordered the power cut.
The move echoed the early days of the war when Israel announced a “complete siege” on the Palestinian territory, severing the electricity supply which was only restored in mid-2024.
Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanoua said Israel’s move will impact its hostages still held in Gaza.
“The decision to cut electricity is a failed option and poses a threat to its (Israeli) prisoners, who will only be freed through negotiations,” Qanoua said in a statement on Monday.
Germany criticised Israel on Monday for its latest decisions.
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Kathrin Deschauer said Gaza was “again threatened with a food shortage” and that cutting off electricity was “unacceptable and not compatible with (Israel’s) obligations under international law”. (AFP)
