The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Monday that a shipment of 2,000-pound MK-84 heavy munitions, which are aircraft bombs, has arrived at the Ashdod Port. The move comes amid ongoing tensions in the Gaza Strip and concerns over the release of Palestinian prisoners.
According to reports, the United States had welcomed the latest release of captives on Saturday, following a promise from Israel to establish a humanitarian protocol that would allow construction equipment and temporary housing into the devastated territory. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now reportedly considering extending phase one of the ceasefire deal, rather than moving forward with phase two.
Netanyahu’s decision has sparked concerns among families of Israeli captives, opposition parties, and human rights groups, who argue that an extension of phase one would put negotiations for the release of all prisoners on hold. The US secretary of state supports Netanyahu’s plan, but it remains unclear what the final outcome will be.
In related news, hundreds of protesters marched through central London to protest against the US president’s plan to “take over” Gaza, while thousands more have been displaced from their homes in Tulkarem and Nur Shams refugee camps. The situation remains tense as displaced Palestinians await Israel’s decision on allowing entry to mobile homes, tents, and heavy machinery.
The Israeli military is also continuing its operation in the city of Tulkarem and its refugee camps, with reports of assaults, displacements, and destruction of infrastructure.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/2/16/live-israel-hamas-exchange-captives-rubio-in-israel-to-discuss-trump-plan