Israel blocks commercial goods from entering Gaza as Hamas is accused of taxing merchants $3,200 per truck

No commercial goods have entered Gaza in two days, with Israel's COGAT agency alleging that Hamas has been demanding roughly 10,000 shekels — around $3,200 — per truck from private merchants, along with a requirement that traders sell 30% of their goods in cash. COGAT further cited reports that Hamas security forces detained the son of one merchant after he refused to pay, causing traders to halt operations. Palestinian importers and Hamas have both rejected the allegations; Hamas describes the $3,200 figure as a voluntary community initiative rather than a tax.

The stoppage is cutting off fruit, meat and winter clothing — items that aid organisations cannot substitute, since humanitarian groups supply only staples such as flour.

Hamas told ceasefire mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey that it has levied no levies or charges on trade for three years of war, citing humanitarian conditions.