DaysofPal – Hamas has postponed the release of Israeli captives that was scheduled for February 15, citing Israel’s failure to uphold key terms of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced Monday that Israel had repeatedly violated the agreement, particularly by blocking humanitarian aid, delaying the return of displaced Palestinians, and continuing military attacks.
Israeli Violations
Israel has restricted the entry of humanitarian aid, significantly reducing supplies that were supposed to reach Gaza under the humanitarian protocol of the ceasefire. The violations include:
- Blocking 50 fuel trucks per day, allowing only half the agreed-upon amount into Gaza.
- Banning the entry of commercial fuel and refusing to provide fuel for civil defense vehicles and municipal workers, preventing road repairs and debris removal.
- Denying fuel imports for the commercial sector, exacerbating the economic and humanitarian crisis.
Israel has also failed to meet its commitments to shelter displaced Palestinians. The agreement called for 200,000 tents and 60,000 caravans, yet only 53,147 tents have arrived, and not a single caravan has been delivered.
Obstacles on Reconstruction
Despite urgent humanitarian needs, Israel has only allowed four heavy-duty machines into Gaza for rubble removal and body recovery, far from the 500 required.
Additionally, it has blocked the entry of construction materials needed to rebuild hospitals and civil defense centers.
Gaza’s power crisis remains dire, with Israel refusing to permit repairs or provide necessary equipment to restore the Strip’s main power plant.
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces continue to restrict movement by blocking Al-Rashid Street and conducting searches on Salah al-Din Road, despite the 22-day deadline for such restrictions having passed.
In his statement, Abu Ubaida stressed that Hamas has fully complied with the ceasefire agreement since it took effect on January 19.
However, Israel’s repeated violations, including airstrikes, shootings, and aid restrictions, have forced the resistance to delay the prisoner exchange until further notice.
The Gaza Government Media Office accused Israel of deliberately delaying and obstructing the agreement’s implementation, warning that its actions are deepening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Officials have called for urgent international intervention to pressure Israel into fulfilling its commitments and allowing essential supplies to reach civilians in need.
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