Gaza's heavy machinery ban delays recovery of Israeli hostage bodies

The bodies of some Israeli hostages who were killed in the Gaza Strip are reportedly trapped under rubble, with heavy machinery required to recover them, according to Gaza authorities' press office.

The press service stated that the ban on transporting heavy equipment into the enclave has hindered the extraction of the deceased hostages' bodies, which were buried under the debris of buildings destroyed by Israeli bombardment, Caliber.Az reports via international media.

No details were provided regarding the specific locations in Gaza where these hostages are held.

Currently, construction equipment, including bulldozers, is being supplied to Gaza by Egypt, but with the stipulation that Egyptian operators will control the machines. These Egyptian drivers will remain in Gaza to assist in the rubble removal process.

On January 15, the Qatari Prime Minister announced a ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. As part of the agreement, hostages held in Gaza would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. During the first phase, which will last for 42 days, Hamas is set to release 33 Israeli hostages.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched thousands of rockets from Gaza into Israel and infiltrated the country via land, sea, and air, targeting civilian areas. Over 1,200 Israelis were killed, including attendees of a music festival, and 251 hostages were taken. The assault was marked by extreme violence, including reports of sexual assault, and was condemned globally as one of the deadliest acts of terrorism in history, the largest mass killing of Jews since the Holocaust.

In response, Israel declared martial law and launched Operation Iron Swords. The international response has been divided, with Western nations condemning Hamas for war crimes and terrorism, while many Arab and Muslim countries blamed Israel for the violence, citing its occupation of Palestinian territories.

As Israel's military operations continue, airstrikes on Gaza have caused a devastating toll, with more than 47,000 Palestinians reported dead, including 17,881 children and 12,316 women, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Over 111,000 others have been injured, contributing to the worsening humanitarian crisis.

By Tamilla Hasanova