The United States held talks with Hamas, a designated terror organisation by the States, where the two discussed the release of hostages held in Gaza. The US envoy, led by Adam Boehler, expressed confidence in the talks and said that the truce deal might be reached \”within weeks\” Meanwhile, Israel announced it is cutting off electricity to Gaza, further intensifying pressure on Hamas after already halting all goods supplies to the territory’s over two million residents last week. These measures come as Israel seeks to push Hamas into agreeing to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire, which ended last weekend. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, taking 251 hostages, including several Americans. In response, Israel initiated a military invasion, leading to over 15 months of conflict that has displaced much of the population. An estimated 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with the number expected to rise to more than 100 by the end of the year. The full impact of the power cut remains unclear, but it could disrupt desalination plants that provide drinking water.