Hamas: Netanyahu's refusal to allow caravans in Gaza violating deal

Israel's decision to halt the introduction of caravans and heavy equipment into the Gaza Strip last week is a "violation" of the hostage deal, Hamas said in a statement released today (Sunday).

According to Hamas' statement, "Israel's refusal to allow the entry of caravans and heavy equipment is a clear evasion of its commitments in the ceasefire agreement and the humanitarian protocol, and it is an explicit declaration of its non-compliance with the agreement."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to allow the caravans and heavy equipment to enter Gaza according to his spokesperson Omer Dostri, and has continued to do so following a security consultation with heads of the defense establishment.

Israel is also reportedly seeking to ensure all six remaining live hostages are freed this week instead of in two rounds, an effort which the Trump administration supports.

The IDF received a shipment today of 1,800 heavy aerial bombs, after they were held up for almost a year by President Biden over concerns regarding civilian casualties and a desire to prevent Israel from entering into Rafah and other areas then containing large numbers of civilians.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he has instructed the IDF to prepare plans for a possible renewed offensive into the Gaza Strip in the event the hostage deal breaks down. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz also visited Southern Command and spoke with senior officers there to discuss such plans.

Meanwhile, Arab countries are working to present their own plan to counter President Trump's proposition of relocating displaced Gazan civilians to other countries, claiming that it is possible to rebuild the Gaza Strip in five years without Hamas governing the area or moving a single Palestinian.

Egypt, which has consistently opposed the movement of any Palestinians into its territory aside from some sick and wounded to be treated, is spearheading the effort.