Heavy Construction Equipment Enters Gaza as Ceasefire Holds Amid Hostage Negotiations

Gaza Strip – Heavy construction equipment began entering the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, marking a significant step in efforts to bolster the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The move comes as negotiations continue over the release of hostages held by the terror group since October 2023.

According to Egypt’s Al-Ghad TV, the equipment crossed into Gaza from Egypt through the Rafah border crossing.

The entry of mobile homes and heavy machinery has been a contentious issue, with Hamas previously threatening to halt hostage releases unless the supplies were allowed in.

The development follows statements from Israeli and Hamas officials indicating that six living Israeli hostages are set to be released on Saturday as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.

A senior Israeli official confirmed that Israel has agreed to allow the controlled entry of mobile homes and construction equipment after stringent inspections, provided Hamas upholds its commitments under the agreement.

“Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making immense efforts to secure the release of the six living hostages that remain as part of phase one [of the hostage-ceasefire deal], and also four hostages who are not alive,” the official said.

Additionally, Hamas is expected to release the bodies of four hostages on Thursday, adding another layer to the delicate negotiations.

Pressure Over Humanitarian Needs

On the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing, scores of trucks carrying mobile homes were seen lining up in preparation for entry into Gaza.

Reports suggest that the ceasefire and hostage release agreement stipulate that supplies and equipment be used to establish at least 60,000 temporary housing units.

However, Hamas has alleged that only a fraction of the requested heavy construction equipment has arrived so far.

Earlier this week, Netanyahu had reportedly resisted approving the entry of mobile homes and heavy equipment.

A political source told the Kan public broadcaster that a security consultation chaired by the prime minister determined that discussions over mobile home deliveries would continue in the coming days. Israel remains in full coordination with the United States on the matter.

The ongoing three-stage ceasefire agreement was reached last month, bringing an end to 15 months of intense fighting following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages.

Under the deal, Hamas must release all hostages, while Israel is to release thousands of Palestinian security prisoners, halt military operations, and engage in talks for a “sustainable calm” leading to an eventual withdrawal from Gaza.

Of the 33 hostages slated for release in the initial phase, 19 have already returned to Israel, while eight were confirmed dead. With six remaining alive, their release is expected this weekend.

Talks on Second Phase Begin

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar confirmed on Tuesday that negotiations for the second phase of the agreement will begin in the coming days.

This stage involves discussions on exchanging the remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian security prisoners and the broader political future of Gaza.

“We had a security cabinet meeting last night. We decided to open negotiations on the second phase. It will happen this week,” Sa’ar said, adding that Israel remains firm on its demand for a complete demilitarization of Gaza.

The upcoming negotiations will be challenging, as they will also determine the administration of Gaza in the postwar period.

With major differences between the parties, reaching a consensus remains uncertain. However, should negotiations prove constructive, Israel has indicated it may extend the first phase of the ceasefire beyond its current six-week duration.

The ceasefire has largely held despite sporadic violations and setbacks. As diplomatic efforts continue, the question remains whether both sides can navigate the complex political and security concerns to secure a longer-term peace.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members