Israel says entry of commercial goods into Gaza halted amid dispute between traders and Hamas
Lorries carrying commercial goods are no longer entering Gaza amid a dispute between traders and Hamas over taxes, the Israeli military body that oversees humanitarian affairs in the Palestinian territory has said. Cogat said the traders had decided to stop co-ordinating with it on shipments across the Israeli-controlled border in response to a 10,000 shekel ($3,220) fee imposed by Hamas on each…
The Israeli military body responsible for humanitarian affairs in Gaza has announced that commercial goods are no longer being allowed to enter the territory due to a dispute between traders and Hamas over taxes. According to Cogat, the traders have decided to stop coordinating with them in response to a 10,000 shekel fee imposed by Hamas on each lorry entering Gaza and a demand that 30% of sales be conducted in cash.
Hamas denies the accusation, stating that the fee is a contribution to a "voluntary community initiative" to support those in need and that the cash payment demand is necessary to address the severe imbalances in the Palestinian market. Cogat predicts that this decision will cut the total number of lorries entering Gaza, carrying both humanitarian and commercial goods, in half, to around 300.
Most Gazans depend on aid following three years of war and restrictions imposed by Israel on aid deliveries.
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