Israel halts commercial goods from entering Gaza; Hamas denies tax claims
Summary
Israel has stopped commercial goods from entering the Gaza Strip for two days, citing a disagreement over taxes between local merchants and Hamas. Hamas denies these claims, saying the fees mentioned are voluntary payments to support vulnerable people and not a cause for the disruption.Key Facts
- Israeli military body COGAT announced the halt of commercial goods entering Gaza due to a claimed tax dispute.
- COGAT said merchants refused to pay a 10,000 shekel ($3,220) fee per truck and a 30% cash sales requirement by Hamas.
- Gaza government media office denied the tax claims, calling them false and said payments were voluntary to help widows and orphans.
- The suspension affects food and supplies for 2.1 million people in Gaza, who rely on goods from Israel’s border crossings.
- Aid groups bring staples like flour, while local merchants import perishable foods such as fruit and meat.
- The halt raises concerns about rising prices and worsening food shortages, especially before winter.
- Gaza’s private truckers union blamed Israel for the stoppage, saying restrictions were imposed by Israeli authorities.
- Under a US-mediated agreement, Israel is supposed to allow at least 600 trucks daily, but recent averages are closer to 300 trucks.
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