Israel Restricts Entry of Temporary Shelters into Gaza amid Ceasefire Violations
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – With two weeks remaining until the end of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, Israel continues to block the delivery of essential mobile homes and caravans needed to shelter displaced Palestinians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn enclave.
The Government Media Office in Gaza reported that only 45 percent of the 200,000 tents required have been allowed into the Strip.
These tents cover only a small fraction of the displaced population, leaving thousands without adequate shelter.
Israel is also preventing the entry of 60,000 mobile homes, which are urgently needed to address the housing crisis.
Displaced Palestinians returning to their neighborhoods face significant challenges due to the widespread destruction of infrastructure caused by months of intense bombing.
Roads are severely damaged, making it difficult for aid trucks to reach affected areas and for people to move around.
The lack of proper infrastructure has led to delays in delivering humanitarian assistance.
Meanwhile, Israel has been accused of violating the ceasefire agreement, which mandates a full cessation of military actions.
Recent violations include targeted attacks on police vehicles in Rafah and a civilian vehicle in central Gaza.
Israel’s obstruction of essential heavy machinery and mobile homes, which remain stranded on the Egyptian side of the border, has increased pressure on regional mediators to enforce the humanitarian provisions of the ceasefire deal.
Civilians in Gaza are living in open spaces, awaiting the arrival of mobile homes expected to shelter hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians.
Local residents fear that Israel’s continued obstacles will complicate the next round of negotiations and undermine the fragile ceasefire.
Sentiments in Gaza are charged with anxiety over the durability of the truce, given the unpredictable changes in the agreement.
During his first visit to the region, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed full support for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The two discussed US President Donald Trump’s plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza, which they framed as the only solution to secure Israel and achieve peace.
They also aligned on policies regarding Lebanon, Syria, and Iran.
Meanwhile, Israel is expected to send a delegation to Cairo to address hurdles stemming from its failure to implement the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.
These violations, including the blockage of tents, mobile homes, medical equipment, and heavy machinery, pose significant challenges to the negotiations.
Discussions on phase two of the ceasefire, which envisions a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the release of remaining captives, are yet to begin.
However, optimism is low, as opposition within the Israeli cabinet to advancing to phase two complicates the prospects of progress.
