Israeli strikes on April 22 targeted heavy machinery in Gaza, including bulldozers in Jabalia that had been provided by the Egyptian government to clear rubble and re-open streets in Gaza, according to both Israeli and Palestinian officials.
Jabalia Municipality said dawn strikes on the municipal garage had destroyed nine bulldozers provided by the Egyptian government to clear rubble from streets, along with a sewage collection truck and a mobile water tank, and had paralyzed their ability to provide basic services. They said it was the second time the garage had been struck by Israeli forces.
Other machinery was targeted in Gaza City, and Khan Yunis, according to the Palestinian Information Center, a media outlet accused of being affiliated with Hamas.
This footage from Gaza City showing a damaged bulldozer with a hole pierced through its roof was captured by journalist Alaa Hamouda, who said Israeli forces had “targeted and destroyed heavy equipment that was working to open roads and remove rubble.”
The Israel Defense Forces said it destroyed around 40 emergency vehicles and accused Hamas of using them for “terrorist purposes,” including planting explosives, digging underground bunkers, breaching fences, and clearing rubble to locate weapons and military equipment. They also said some of the vehicles were used to break through barriers during the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. Credit: Alaa Hamouda via Storyful
