Israel disputes Gaza truck requirements amid aid disputes

Israel is challenging the current humanitarian aid framework for the Gaza Strip, suggesting that 250 trucks per day are sufficient to meet the needs of the population. This stance deviates from the existing ceasefire agreement, which stipulates the entry of 600 trucks daily.

Yoram Helfi, the Israeli coordinator for government activities in the Palestinian territories, warned that Israel may not maintain the agreed-upon numbers if Hamas continues practices that allegedly obstruct the flow of goods. The Israeli Foreign Ministry accused Hamas of imposing forced levies of 10,000 shekels on merchants per truck and threatening those who refuse to pay.

In response, the Government Media Office in Gaza denied that Hamas is imposing government taxes or fees on commercial trucks. They clarified that the 10,000 shekel amount is part of a voluntary community initiative to fund aid for orphans, widows, and relief projects. Gaza officials accused Israel of using these claims to justify continued restrictions and evade its obligations under the ceasefire agreement.