Hamas Rejects Israeli Accusations, Criticizes UN Envoy Mladenov

Hamas has vehemently denied Israeli accusations of imposing taxes and threatening merchants in Gaza, asserting these claims are baseless and aimed at justifying the blockade and exacerbating the suffering of the Strip's residents. The group criticized the stance of UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nikolai Mladenov, accusing him of adopting the Israeli narrative. Hamas stated that Mladenov's position reflects bias towards Israel and that the accusations are a pretext to hinder the entry of goods and worsen the humanitarian crisis, while also serving to evade commitments under the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas urged Mladenov to cease aligning with Israeli positions and instead pressure Israel to lift the Gaza blockade, stop targeting civilians, expedite the entry of the National Committee for Sector Management, and initiate reconstruction efforts. Mladenov had previously announced receiving an Israeli notification to suspend the coordination of private sector goods into Gaza, citing reports of Hamas threats and pressure on traders, and warning that disruptions to supply chains would increase civilian hardship.

The Gaza government's media office also refuted claims of imposing taxes or fees on commercial trucks, accusing Israel of using these allegations as a justification to maintain restrictions on goods entering the Strip.