Aid Trucks Fuel Hamas's Terror Operations, Activist Claims

Shlomo Shreid, a co-founder of the 'Tzav 9' organization, stated in an interview with Arutz 7 that hundreds of aid trucks continue to supply Hamas with equipment that enriches the organization and is used for terrorism. He highlighted the ongoing flow of humanitarian aid trucks into the Gaza Strip, which he asserts are effectively reaching Hamas, the de facto ruler of Gaza. Shreid noted that approximately 600 trucks of supplies enter Gaza weekly, enabling Hamas to continue paying its operatives without interruption.

Shreid also pointed to an increase in smuggling attempts as aid volume grows, citing the potential opening of the Erez Crossing for increased aid as a factor. He explained that dual-use goods are entering Gaza, providing examples such as cameras requested as medical equipment that were later used to monitor IDF soldiers for the detonation of explosives. He also mentioned the entry of ceramic vests, ostensibly for hospitals and protected forces, but which he claims ultimately reach Hamas.

According to Shreid, the concept of 'reconstruction of the Strip' is in reality the reconstruction of Hamas. He criticized the advancement of reconstruction pilots before the demilitarization of Gaza and Hamas, stating that the hostage deal intended the opposite sequence. He believes that external pressure from countries like Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt influences Israeli Prime Minister's office to approve continued aid and reconstruction efforts.

Shreid emphasized that Tzav 9's primary goal was to secure the release of hostages through pressure on Hamas. With the hostages freed, the organization is now refocusing on its second objective: the dismantling of Hamas. He expressed concern over the potential entry of foreign forces into Gaza, comparing it to the UNIFIL situation in Lebanon, where a peacekeeping force failed to enforce security and instead caused harm. He believes Hamas is pushing for these foreign forces to enter Gaza to ensure its own survival.

Shreid elaborated on smuggling methods, including Turkish organizations operating under the guise of aid groups to influence the types of materials entering Gaza, and a free trade system allowing authorized merchants to import goods like new phones and technology. He indicated that Tzav 9 is considering resuming protests to block aid trucks, aiming to influence decision-makers through meetings, parliamentary pressure, and public demonstrations, in cooperation with the 'Otef Israel Forum' which advocates for residents of areas near Gaza.