UN Envoy Backs Israeli Claims on Gaza Goods; Hamas Denies

Nikolai Mladenov, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, called Thursday for the swift deployment of a national committee to manage Gaza and an international stabilization force. Mladenov echoed Israeli accusations that Hamas is imposing financial levies on traders and obstructing the entry of goods into the Gaza Strip. However, Gaza's government denied levying taxes on commercial trucks, accusing Israel of fabricating pretexts to justify its continued restrictions on goods and aid.

Mladenov stated on X that he received a message from the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) regarding the suspension of private sector goods coordination into Gaza due to alleged threats and coercion by Hamas. He warned that such practices are unacceptable and must cease immediately, emphasizing that intimidating traders and interfering with supply chains only deepen civilian suffering.

He stressed that these developments highlight the urgent need for the rapid deployment of the Gaza management committee, supported by the international force, to protect civilian supplies, humanitarian aid, and commercial activity from coercion and exploitation. Mladenov urged all parties to work with the UN and proceed with implementing the comprehensive plan endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which includes disarming, transitioning to legitimate transitional management, and safeguarding supply chains.

The government media office in Gaza refuted the Israeli accusations, calling them part of a "deception campaign" to blame Gaza's authorities for the disruption and justify Israeli restrictions. They asserted that no government taxes or fees have been imposed on commercial trucks, and no taxes have been collected on commercial activities in the past three years. The office clarified that a 10,000 shekel amount mentioned by Israel relates to a voluntary community initiative supporting orphans, widows, children, and students, as well as housing and sanitation projects.

Regarding the Israeli claim about forcing traders to sell 30% of their goods in cash, the Gaza office explained this measure addresses a severe cash liquidity shortage and the prevalence of worn-out banknotes, facilitating commercial transactions. They stated it was an initiative by the Chamber of Commerce, not a unilateral government decision. The office also noted that actions against some traders are based on suspicions of illicit gains and are subject to legal proceedings, rejecting Israel's attempt to generalize individual cases into a "forced collection campaign."

Mladenov's statements followed a message from COGAT head Yoram Halevi to Mladenov, International Stabilization Force Commander Gen. Jasper Jeffers, and the UN Deputy Special Coordinator. Halevi alleged Hamas's continued interference in goods entry, citing private sector traders' decision to halt coordination due to a "forced collection mechanism" and threats. He claimed Hamas security elements arrested a trader's son for non-compliance and that Hamas demands approximately 10,000 shekels per truck and requires traders to sell 30% of goods in cash, which Israel claims allows Hamas to "control revenues." Halevi argued these demands violate agreements requiring payments solely through banks. He also claimed Hamas plans to extend these collection mechanisms to drinking water. He stated that the suspension of private sector goods coordination impacts Israel's ability to meet its commitment of 600 daily truckloads, holding Hamas responsible and warning they might exploit the situation to spread false claims about Israeli non-compliance.

The Gaza media office reiterated the urgent priority of ensuring a regular and sufficient flow of goods, stressing Israel's obligation to allow 600 daily truckloads. They rejected blame for reduced truck entries and warned of the consequences of Israeli restrictions on food, medicine, and shelter materials. Gaza called on mediators, the national committee, the UN, and international bodies to hold Israel accountable for its commitments and verify facts through direct communication, cautioning against adopting Israel's "unilateral and misleading narrative."