A government official in Gaza stated on Wednesday that Israel has only allowed six pieces of equipment into the besieged strip, some of which are small or non-functional and require spare parts and maintenance.
اضافة اعلان
Severe Equipment Shortage
In a statement to Anadolu Agency, Ismail Al-Thawabta, Director General of Gaza’s Government Media Office, said:
"Gaza needs 500 heavy machines, including bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, yet the occupation has only allowed the entry of six, some of which are small or inoperable and in need of repair."
He added that this reflects Israel's disregard for the suffering and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Al-Thawabta stressed that Gaza is facing a dire humanitarian crisis due to the severe shortage of heavy equipment necessary to remove rubble, clear roads, and retrieve the bodies of thousands of martyrs.
He accused Israel of deliberately worsening the crisis by obstructing relief and reconstruction efforts, urging mediators and international guarantors to pressure Israel to halt this inhumane policy.
According to Anadolu’s correspondent, the six machines entered Gaza on Tuesday, but no heavy equipment was allowed in on Wednesday.
Hamas: Israel Stalling on Humanitarian Commitments
On Tuesday, Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official in Gaza, stated that:
"Hamas and the resistance have demonstrated seriousness in implementing the agreement responsibly, but Netanyahu's government continues to stall and evade its commitments, particularly on the humanitarian aspects."
He emphasized that Hamas is actively working with mediators, particularly Qatar and Egypt, to ensure Israel adheres to the agreements made in phase one, including:
Entry of humanitarian aid, shelter materials, heavy machinery, fuel, and electricity alternatives.
Allowing movement through the Rafah crossing.
Permitting fishing in Gaza’s waters to alleviate suffering and support the resilience of the Palestinian people.
He reiterated that Israel must fully implement all provisions of the agreement, especially allowing the entry of heavy equipment to recover the bodies of Palestinian martyrs and Israeli captives killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Ceasefire Agreement and Israel's Delays
The current ceasefire agreement, which began on January 19, was brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. It consists of three phases, each lasting 42 days, with negotiations aimed at ending the war entirely.
However, Israel’s violations and logistical delays have prevented the full implementation of phase one, prompting intensified mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar to salvage the deal.
The second phase of negotiations was scheduled to begin on February 3, but Netanyahu’s government has stalled. On Tuesday, Israel’s public broadcaster reported that Netanyahu agreed to start talks next week, but only on the condition of disarming Gaza and removing Hamas from power.
Hamas Rejects Disarmament
In response, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem rejected any plans to disarm the resistance or remove Hamas from Gaza, stating that any future arrangements for the territory must be decided through Palestinian national consensus.
Ongoing Genocide in Gaza
Since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, and with direct U.S. support, Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, killing or injuring nearly 160,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children. Additionally, more than 14,000 Palestinians remain missing under the rubble.
