Israel Questions Gaza Aid Truck Numbers, Cites Hamas Demands
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Israel is threatening to deviate from the Gaza ceasefire agreement's quota of 600 daily aid trucks, citing Hamas's alleged extortion of traders. Israel claims 250 trucks are sufficient, a figure disputed by Gaza officials who accuse Israel of evading its obligations. Gaza stated that a 10,000 shekel payment is a voluntary community initiative, not a government tax, and urged international intervention to enforce the 600-truck quota.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel threatens to reduce Gaza aid truck numbers below the agreed 600 daily, citing Hamas extortion.
- Israel claims 250 trucks daily are sufficient for Gaza's humanitarian needs, a figure disputed by Gaza.
- Gaza denies Hamas is levying taxes, calling a 10,000 shekel payment a voluntary community initiative.
- Israel alleges Hamas threatens traders and arrested a trader's son, demanding international intervention.
- Gaza accuses Israel of fabricating claims to justify restrictions and evade its agreement obligations.
- Gaza previously stated Israel allowed only 35% of agreed trucks in September, worsening the crisis.
Israel has indicated it may not adhere to the agreed-upon number of aid trucks entering Gaza, citing alleged financial levies imposed by Hamas on traders and threats against them. Israel claims that 250 trucks daily are sufficient for humanitarian needs, despite a ceasefire agreement stipulating 600 trucks per day.
This stance was communicated in a message from Yoram Hilevi, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, released by the Israeli Foreign Ministry on Sunday. Hilevi blamed Hamas for obstructing the entry of goods and warned that Israel could not guarantee its commitment to the agreed truck numbers if these alleged practices continued.
According to Hilevi, Israeli assessments, reportedly supported by UN and international expert evaluations, suggest that approximately 250 trucks per day meet Gaza's needs. He acknowledged, however, that the ceasefire agreement specifies 600 trucks daily. He further claimed that private sector trucks constitute about half of the weekly entries and that traders have halted coordination due to Hamas's alleged threats and a "forced collection mechanism."
The Israeli Foreign Ministry also alleged that Hamas demands 10,000 shekels per truck from traders and threatens those who refuse, claiming the son of a trader was arrested, though no evidence was provided. Hilevi sought to preemptively assign blame to Hamas for any future shortages, suggesting the group would exploit private sector halts to accuse Israel of violating the agreement and exert international pressure.
In contrast, the Gaza government media office denied imposing any taxes or fees on commercial trucks on Thursday. They accused Israel of fabricating claims to justify continued restrictions on goods and evade its commitments. The office clarified that the 10,000 shekel amount relates to a "voluntary community initiative" for orphans, widows, and relief projects, not a government levy. They also stated that the requirement for selling 30% of goods for cash was a Chamber of Commerce initiative to address liquidity issues and worn-out currency.
The Gaza media office emphasized that the agreement obligates Israel to allow 600 trucks daily and urged international mediators to ensure its implementation. They previously announced on September 20 that Israel had only permitted 35% of the agreed-upon trucks, warning of a worsening humanitarian and economic crisis.
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