Israel continues to deny entry of heavy machinery to clear rubble in Gaza

Israel continues to deny the entry of heavy machinery to clear rubble in the Gaza Strip, Anadolu has reported. The occupation regime has only allowed six small machines for rubble clearance while preventing the entry of the kind of machinery that is desperately needed in the coastal enclave devastated by Israeli forces during their genocidal war against the Palestinians.

According to Ismail Thawabteh, director of the Gaza government’s Media Office, even the few machines that have been allowed in require maintenance and spare parts to function.

“The Gaza Strip needs 500 heavy equipment units, including bulldozers, excavators and cranes,” he added. “We are experiencing a suffocating humanitarian crisis due to the lack of the equipment and heavy machinery needed for the rubble removal, opening the roads and recovery of thousands of corpses.”

He noted that Israel’s decision to allow only six machines reflects its “[wilful] ignorance regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”

On Tuesday, the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, said that it is working with Qatar and Egypt mediators to compel Israel to adhere to its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.

The ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement took effect on 19 January, suspending Israel’s genocidal war, which has killed nearly 48,300 Palestinians and left the enclave in ruins.

READ: Israel destroyed 1,109 mosques and 3 churches during Gaza genocide, says ministry