Peace Council President Warns Hamas: "This Must Stop"

The President of the Peace Council, Nikolai Mladenov, has issued a strong warning to Hamas, stating that the organization's practice of profiting from humanitarian aid entering Gaza must cease. This comes after reports revealed that Hamas is generating approximately a quarter of a billion shekels monthly, or about 3 billion shekels annually, by taxing commercial goods and aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip. These funds are reportedly used by the terror organization to rebuild its military strength.

Residents of the Gaza border communities expressed shock at the revelations, particularly concerning Hamas's blatant violation of agreements and its continued military buildup. Despite these violations, the Israeli government has stated it has no intention of halting or reducing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, including aid destined for the private sector. Hamas is also reportedly intercepting some aid shipments intended for distribution by aid organizations.

Mladenov emphasized that as long as Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, such exploitation will continue, regardless of the volume of aid. He proposed a solution involving the deployment of a multinational force to take control of certain areas within Gaza and the establishment of a technocratic government. However, Israel is reportedly unwilling to agree to the deployment of such a force unless Hamas disarms, at least until elections.

Reports indicate that Hamas's extortion tactics have already impacted the private sector in Gaza, with traders ceasing operations due to Hamas's demand of 10,000 shekels per truck. Mladenov conveyed his grave concern over Hamas's actions, directly addressing the organization with the message, "This cannot continue like this."