Hamas says “Israeli” delay on diggers affecting extractions of captives’ bodies

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) said Friday that the “Israeli” delay on diggers to enter the Gaza Strip is affecting the extraction of captives’ bodies – according to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

"Preventing the entry of heavy equipment and machinery needed to remove 55 million tons of rubble... will undoubtedly affect the resistance's ability to extract from under the rubble the dead prisoners," Salama Marouf, spokesperson for media office in Gaza, told journalists.

Read more: Hamas calls for urgent Arab summit

Earlier, Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanoua said that “Israel” continues to delay the implementation of the humanitarian protocol, particularly regarding shelter, tents, debris removal equipment, fuel, and reconstruction needs.

“We have urged mediators to intensify their efforts, pressuring the occupation to comply with the humanitarian protocol”, al-Qanoua said.

He added that Hamas remains committed to the ceasefire agreement to “serve the interests of our people,” and extended his thanks to all countries which rejected US President Donald Trump’s statements on relocating Gaza’s residents.

Today, Hamas is expected to release a list of the names of captives set for release on Saturday in the next round of prisoner exchanges under the Gaza ceasefire deal.