'Israel' blocks heavy equipment, fuel to Gaza: Palestinian official
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"Israel" is imposing severe restrictions on fuel distribution to service institutions in Gaza, disrupting essential municipal and civil defense operations.
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Egyptian ambulances cross the Rafah border crossing in Egypt, on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. (AP)
A senior Palestinian leader told Al Mayadeen on Thursday that "Israel" is refusing to allow heavy equipment into Gaza’s municipalities, instead advocating for Egyptian oversight of such machinery.
The official also stated that "Israel" is imposing severe restrictions on fuel distribution to service institutions in Gaza, disrupting essential municipal and civil defense operations.
Despite the challenges, the Palestinian official noted that aid deliveries are progressing, with nearly 10,000 trucks having entered Gaza. However, he warned that a critical shortage of tents and fuel continues to impact northern Gaza.
Additionally, he pointed out that the Rafah crossing remains limited to one-way traffic, with Gaza residents still barred from returning to the Strip.
This comes shortly after the Government Media Office in Gaza accused the Israeli occupation of deliberately stalling the implementation of the humanitarian protocol and evading its commitments.
The office stated, on Monday, that under the agreed terms, 60,000 caravans, 200,000 tents, and 600 aid trucks were supposed to enter Gaza daily. It held the Israeli occupation and the US administration responsible for the severe humanitarian consequences of failing to meet these obligations.
The office urged international guarantors to take responsibility and pressure the Israeli occupation to comply with the humanitarian protocol.
Hamas also accused the Israeli occupation of delaying relief and reconstruction efforts, which were stipulated in the ceasefire agreement.
In a statement Sunday, the movement said "Israel" had failed to fully adhere to various relief measures and had not allowed any rebuilding efforts or the entry of essential medical supplies.
Israeli leaders back Trump's Gaza 'clean out' plan amid outrage
Israeli political leaders are expressing their support for Trump and his plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza amid global condemnation, considering it something that will positively impact the Middle East.
"[Trump] is acting as a messenger of God for the Jewish people" said Aryeh Deri, leader of the Israeli Shas political party. "You are acting as a messenger of God for the Jewish people, and you have achieved great success because of your steadfast stand on the right side of the people of Israel against all its enemies," he added.
The extremist former Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed similar enthusiasm, saying this is the start of a "beautiful friendship".
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed Trump's plan, asserting that it will bring "significant political change in the region." Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have previously pushed for the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, going as far as proposing bills.
"I think it is something that could change history, and it is worthwhile really pursuing this idea," Netanyahu noted, calling Trump's plan remarkable.
Katz orders IOF plan for Gaza residents to 'voluntarily' leave: Israeli media
Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz has instructed the IOF to draft a plan facilitating the "voluntary departure" of Gaza residents from the Strip, according to his office, drawing inspiration from US President Donald Trump’s relocation vision.
Katz praised Trump’s "courageous plan", stating it "could enable a wide swath of the population in Gaza to leave to various places around the world."
He justified the plan under the false pretext that "Hamas used Gaza residents as human shields and built terror infrastructure in the heart of the population, and is now holding them, hostage, extorting money from them by use of humanitarian aid, and preventing them from leaving Gaza."
He also stated that he instructed the "military to prepare a plan" allowing any resident of Gaza who wishes to emigrate to relocate to any country willing to accept them.
He specifically pointed to potential destinations such as Spain, Ireland, Norway, and other countries that have called out "Israel's" actions in Gaza, arguing that if these nations refuse to accept Palestinians, "their hypocrisy will be exposed."
Katz also mentioned Canada, which has "an organized immigration program" and has "previously voiced a willingness to absorb Gazan residents."
According to Katz, the plan would allow exit through land crossings and make "special arrangements" for departure through sea and air routes.
Katz argued that "Gaza’s residents should be allowed the freedom to exit and emigrate, as is the practice anywhere around the world," adding that Trump’s plan could advance "rehabilitation plans in a demilitarized Gaza that poses no threat in the post-Hamas era, which will take many years."
