Gaza Denies Truck Fees, Demands Israel Allow 600 Aid Trucks Daily

Gaza, MINA – The Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip has denied imposing taxes or fees on commercial trucks entering the enclave, rejecting Israeli allegations and calling for Israel to allow 600 aid and supply trucks into Gaza daily.

The statement came in response to allegations made Wednesday by Yoram Halevi, the Israeli government’s coordinator of activities in the Palestinian territories, concerning financial charges on traders and measures regulating cash transactions in Gaza.

The media office accused Israel of conducting a “disinformation campaign” to justify restrictions on the entry of goods and shift responsibility for delays onto Gaza’s authorities.

It said it had contacted mediators and international organizations to clarify its position and warn that further Israeli restrictions could worsen the humanitarian crisis.

The office stressed that no government taxes or fees had been imposed on commercial trucks and that no taxes or fees had been collected on commercial activities during the past three years, citing Gaza’s exceptional humanitarian and economic circumstances.

Halevi alleged in a letter to international officials that Hamas was demanding 10,000 shekels, equivalent to approximately $3,225, from traders for each truck entering Gaza. He claimed the alleged charges had prompted private-sector traders to suspend coordination for the entry of goods.

In response, the media office said the amount was associated with a “voluntary community initiative” involving businesspeople, public figures, institutions, and companies. According to the office, the initiative was intended to support orphans, widows, children, students in need, and projects involving housing, sanitation, and humanitarian relief.

Halevi also alleged that Hamas required traders to sell 30% of their goods in cash. The media office said the measure was introduced to address a severe cash shortage, the circulation of worn-out banknotes, and difficulties conducting everyday transactions.

It added that the arrangement had been initiated and agreed upon by the Chamber of Commerce rather than imposed unilaterally by the government.

The media office emphasized that ensuring a regular and sufficient flow of goods into Gaza remained the most urgent priority.

It said understandings reached through the Sharm El-Sheikh process required Israel to allow 600 trucks carrying aid and supplies into the enclave each day. The office urged mediators, the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, the United Nations, and other international bodies to pressure Israel to fulfill its commitments.

It also called on international parties to verify the facts through direct communication with authorities in Gaza.

The dispute comes amid continuing humanitarian challenges in the enclave, where restrictions on the entry of food, water, medicine, and fuel have severely affected the population.

Although the ceasefire agreement that took effect in October 2025 was intended to increase humanitarian access, aid deliveries have remained insufficient to meet Gaza’s needs, according to the report.

The Government Media Office has repeatedly warned about declining aid supplies and accused Israel of imposing obstacles on deliveries. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have called for unimpeded access and the opening of crossings to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)