Hamas officials claim delays in aid delivery to Gaza may affect tomorrow’s hostage release; Israel: ‘Fake news’

Israel denies as “fake news” accusations from Hamas that humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip are lagging, in violation of a hostage-ceasefire deal that went into effect last week.

Two Hamas officials accuse Israel of delaying the delivery of aid to Gaza and warn that it could impact the release of abductees held since the terror group’s October 7, 2023, onslaught.

“We warn that continued delays and failure to address these points (delivery of key aid) will affect the natural progression of the agreement, including the prisoner exchange,” a senior Hamas official tells AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Another official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, says the Palestinian terror group has asked mediators to intervene in the issue.

Hamas officials claim Israel is failing to send key aid items — such as fuel, tents, heavy machinery and other equipment — into the Gaza Strip, as agreed for the first stage of the accord that took effect on January 19.

“According to the agreement, these materials were supposed to enter during the first week of the ceasefire,” the senior Hamas official says.

But Channel 12 news reports that contrary to Hamas claims, over 3,000 aid trucks have already entered the Strip since the beginning of the week. Under the first phase of the ceasefire, 4,200 trucks are meant to enter per week, putting Israel ahead of schedule.

The two Hamas officials say said the group raised the issue during an ongoing meeting with Egyptian mediators in Cairo this morning.

The latest claim by Hamas comes as Israel waits for the terror group to announce the name of a third hostage set to be released tomorrow, along with civilian Arbel Yehoud and soldier Agam Berger, both women.