Earlier today (Thursday), Hamas released videos showing truck convoys allegedly carrying caravans and construction equipment, supposedly en route to Gaza via the Rafah border crossing. Israeli defense establishment and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) firmly denied reports that caravans are being transported into Gaza, dismissing the claims as a public relations ploy by Hamas aimed at fabricating the illusion of an achievement. They stated: “No trucks are authorized to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing, and certainly not caravans or construction equipment.”
Numbers Don’t Add Up: ‘60,000 Caravans’ Is a Fantasy
According to journalist Amit Segal, the original agreement between Israel and Hamas reportedly included the delivery of 60,000 caravans—an utterly unrealistic number. In reality, only 800 caravans are currently available, a minuscule fraction of what was promised.
Furthermore, Hamas demanded shipments of raw materials, including wood and drywall, in quantities sufficient for mass caravan production. Israel rejected the demand, refusing to allow Gaza’s reconstruction while Hamas remains in power.
Strict Security Checks for Any Approved Transfers
Despite Hamas’ misleading claims, any caravans permitted for transfer will undergo intense Israeli security inspections and will only be allowed through alternative border crossings via a strictly controlled, prolonged process. Security officials confirmed that no coordination exists for caravan transfers via Rafah, reinforcing Israel’s policy of blocking significant construction materials from reaching Gaza.
The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson, Omer Dostri, doubled down on this position, posting on X: “No caravans or heavy equipment are being transferred into Gaza, and there is no coordination for such an operation.”
Earlier, the Prime Minister’s Office dismissed reports by Al Jazeera claiming that heavy equipment would be allowed into Gaza.
