Hamas Accuses Mladenov of Bias Toward Israel, Urges Gaza Blockade Lifted

Gaza, MINA – Hamas has rejected what it described as Nikolay Mladenov’s adoption of Israel’s account of the suspension of goods shipments intended for Gaza’s private sector, accusing the Board of Peace representative of bias toward Israel and endorsing justifications for tightening the blockade.

In a press statement issued Friday, Hamas said Israeli allegations that the movement had obstructed the entry of private-sector goods, imposed taxes on merchants, and threatened traders were “completely baseless.”

The movement described the allegations as part of what it called repeated attempts to deepen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and evade obligations under the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas said Mladenov’s endorsement of the Israeli account demonstrated bias toward Israel and its justifications for restricting the entry of goods into the Gaza Strip, further worsening conditions for Palestinians living under blockade.

The movement called on Mladenov to abandon what it characterized as a policy of siding with Israel while overlooking violations of fundamental human rights.

It also urged him to take immediate action to pressure Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza and halt the killing of civilians, including children.

Hamas further called for the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to enter the territory without delay and begin carrying out its responsibilities, particularly the reconstruction of areas destroyed by Israeli military operations.

The dispute comes amid a continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where restrictions on the entry of food, water, medicine, and fuel have placed further strain on an already devastated healthcare system and other essential services.

The Rafah crossing, a key gateway between Gaza and the outside world, has been largely closed or operating at minimal capacity since Israel seized control of its Palestinian side in May 2024.

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

Mladenov, a former UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, serves as the high representative for Gaza on the Board of Peace, which was established as part of the US-brokered ceasefire framework.

Hamas has repeatedly criticized Mladenov and the Board of Peace, accusing them of failing to hold Israel accountable for alleged ceasefire violations and of adopting Israel’s narrative regarding developments in Gaza.

The Government Media Office in Gaza has separately denied Israeli allegations that authorities impose taxes or fees on commercial trucks entering the enclave. It has described the allegations as a “disinformation campaign” intended to justify restrictions on goods entering Gaza.

The office has called for Israel to allow 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid and essential supplies into Gaza each day, in line with the ceasefire understandings.

According to figures cited in the report, more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 175,000 injured in Gaza since October 2023, while approximately 90% of the enclave’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.

Hamas’s latest statement called for increased international pressure on Israel to lift the blockade, facilitate humanitarian deliveries, and ensure implementation of the ceasefire agreement.[]

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)