Israel will immediately cut off the flow of electricity to Gaza, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen ordered Sunday. Critics blasted the measure as ineffective politicking.

Israel’s energy minister said he will cut power to the Gaza Strip immediately. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to attend talks with Israel and Hamas.

The move, which will mainly affect a single wastewater treatment plant, appeared intended to put pressure on Hamas.

Israel has announced it is cutting off its electricity supply to two million people in Gaza, a week after it stopped the entry of aid into Gaza in a bid to force Hamas to accept new terms of a ceasefire deal.

Eli Cohen's announcement on Sunday came one week after Israel cut off all aid supplies to the territory.

Israel said Sunday that it would be cutting off its electricity supply to Gaza. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said he signed an order that would shut off electricity to Gaza “immediately.” “Enough with the talk,

The move is part of an escalating pressure campaign, but the Palestinian enclave gets most of its power from generators.

Israel has confirmed it is cutting the supply of electricity transmission to Gaza. Energy Minister Eli Cohen has instructed the Israel Electric Corporation to cut off the supply to the heavily bombarded strip.