Egyptian sources at the Rafah crossing reported that dozens of engineering vehicles and mobile homes had remained at the border, waiting for clearance to enter Gaza [Getty]
Hamas has again accused Israel of delaying the implementation of key humanitarian provisions in the ceasefire agreement, including the entry of pre-fabricated housing, heavy equipment for rubble removal, and essential medical supplies into Gaza.
Jihad Taha, a spokesperson for the Palestinian group told The New Arab‘s Arabic language edition Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, that Israel was stalling on its commitments and ignoring the humanitarian aspects of the deal.
He called on international mediators and humanitarian organisations to press Tel Aviv into allowing aid to flow without obstruction.
Talks between Hamas and Egyptian mediators in Cairo, led by Khalil al-Hayya, have focused on enforcing the humanitarian protocol outlined in the ceasefire agreement.
Egyptian sources at the Rafah crossing reported that dozens of engineering vehicles and mobile homes had remained at the border, waiting for clearance to enter Gaza.
The equipment, including bulldozers and trucks for debris removal, is expected to operate under the Egyptian-Qatari Reconstruction Committee, which has previously overseen reconstruction projects in the region.
These materials are set to be transferred through the Karem Abu Salem, also referred to as the Kerem Shalom crossing, after Israeli inspection, with some aid coming from Qatar and others from Egyptian companies.
Egyptian media aired footage of trucks and heavy machinery lined up at the border, carrying Egyptian flags and the insignia of the joint Egyptian-Qatari humanitarian committee.
Reports indicated that more than 150 trucks, carrying nearly 10,000 tents, had already entered northern Gaza via the Kerem Shalom crossing, which remains under Israeli control.
Israeli violations of deal
Hamas officials said that their negotiating delegation, led by al-Hayya, held discussions with Egyptian and Qatari officials about the ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange deal, particularly in light of what they described as repeated Israeli violations.
In Cairo, the Hamas delegation met Egyptian intelligence chief Major General Hassan Rashad, while also holding phone discussions with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The talks focused on ensuring the full implementation of the agreement, particularly concerning humanitarian aid, shelter for displaced civilians, medical supplies, and fuel deliveries.
Hamas described the discussions as “positive”, stating that Egyptian and Qatari mediators were working to resolve obstacles and ensure Israel’s compliance with the agreement.
The group reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire, including the prisoner exchange, as long as it follows the agreed timeline.
Hamas has accused Israel of deliberately obstructing key humanitarian measures outlined in the truce deal, which came into effect on 19 January. One of the most significant violations, according to Hamas, is Israel’s continued blockade on the entry of pre-fabricated housing units and tents, which are meant to provide shelter for displaced families.
In response to these delays, Hamas had temporarily suspended the scheduled release of Israeli prisoners until Israel adheres to the terms of the agreement.
Further breaches of truce
The movement has also pointed to further breaches by Israel, including delays in the return of displaced civilians to northern Gaza, the obstruction of fuel deliveries and debris removal equipment, and the prevention of vital medical supplies from reaching Gaza’s hospitals.
They have also noted that Israel is restricting the number of Palestinians evacuating out of Gaza despite stipulations in the deal and delaying talks on the second phase of the deal.Â
Meanwhile, scores of Palestinians in the enclave have been forced to sleep out in the cold amid dropping tempretures and blustery storms.Â
Egypt, in an effort to facilitate humanitarian aid, has set up a logistics hub in North Sinai’s El-Masoura area near Rafah.
The facility, designed to accommodate over 20,000 aid trucks, includes storage areas, administrative offices, and driver accommodations. Egyptian officials have stated that the hub will streamline the entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.
Mediators from Egypt and Qatar, alongside US envoy Steven Witkoff, have reportedly made progress in securing Israeli approval for some urgent fuel and medical supply deliveries into Gaza.
A senior Hamas official confirmed that under the next phase of the prisoner exchange, Israel is expected to release 1,800 Palestinian detainees, including those captured during its ground invasion of Gaza, as well as high-profile prisoners, elderly detainees, and sick detainees.
