Hamas Imposes Heavy Taxes on Aid Trucks, Fuels 'Starvation Campaign' in Gaza
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Hamas is imposing heavy taxes on aid trucks and merchants in Gaza to fund its operations, leading to shortages and price hikes. Israeli security officials believe Hamas plans to launch a "starvation campaign" to pressure Israel regarding a demilitarization plan. Israel denies starvation is occurring, stating sufficient aid is entering Gaza under supervision, while Hamas blames Israel for the shortages to gain international support.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hamas is imposing taxes of up to 10,000 shekels per aid truck entering Gaza.
- These taxes generate an estimated 3 million shekels daily for the organization.
- The heavy taxes have caused merchants to abandon cargo, leading to shortages and price increases.
- Hamas plans to launch a "starvation campaign" to pressure Israel internationally.
- Israeli security officials deny Gaza is facing starvation, stating aid is sufficient.
- Hamas blames Israel for shortages to garner international support.
Hamas is reportedly imposing severe financial burdens on Gaza's merchants and aid convoys in an effort to fund its operations, according to Israeli security assessments. The organization, estimated to have 30,000 members requiring an average monthly salary of 3,000 shekels each, faces a monthly budget of approximately 90 million shekels. To meet this demand, Hamas has begun levying substantial taxes on goods and aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip. Reports indicate these taxes can reach up to 10,000 shekels per truck, in addition to a demand for 30% of the cargo's sales value in cash. With an estimated 300 trucks entering daily, this mechanism could generate around 3 million shekels per day for Hamas.
However, these heavy taxes have led many Gaza merchants to abandon their trucks and cargo, resulting in increased prices and product shortages in local markets. Israeli security officials suggest Hamas plans to exploit these shortages to relaunch a "starvation campaign," similar to one conducted in the summer of 2025. The aim of this propaganda effort is to exert international political pressure on Israel to halt the Trump administration's "dot plan," which seeks to demilitarize Gaza and disarm Hamas.
Israeli security sources firmly state that Gaza is not experiencing starvation, asserting that the daily arrival of approximately 250 aid trucks, under close supervision, adequately meets the population's needs. Conversely, Hamas attempts to blame Israel for the market shortages, claiming Israel is blocking trade routes, in an effort to garner international support.
