Hamas extortion in Gaza continues

Israel on Thursday accused Hamas of running a system of taxes and threats that is pushing traders to stop delivering goods to Gaza.

According to COGAT, the Israeli Defense Ministry body in charge of civil affairs in the Palestinian territories, Hamas demands 10,000 shekels (about 2,875 euros) for each truck entering Gaza and requires that about 30 percent of transactions be carried out in cash.

COGAT said half of the trucks entering the Gaza Strip each week belong to the private sector, and that their withdrawal could jeopardize efforts to reach the target of 600 trucks a day set by the ceasefire agreement concluded in October 2025.

In a letter sent on Wednesday to international representatives involved in implementing the agreement, COGAT also claimed that Hamas had kidnapped the son of a trader who refused to comply. According to the Israeli body, traders fearing for their safety have suspended deliveries to Gaza "until further notice."

Nickolay Mladenov, High Representative for Gaza of the "Board of Peace" set up by Donald Trump, said he had received COGAT's letter and condemned what he described as "threats and coercive measures" against traders. 

"Such practices are unacceptable and must end immediately," he wrote on X, adding that any interference with the supply chain increased the suffering of Gaza's civilians.