Israel Suspends Commercial Shipments Into Gaza Over Hamas Tax Dispute
Israel suspended commercial goods entering the Gaza Strip after accusing Hamas of extorting private merchants, a claim Gaza authorities deny as they warn of food shortages.
The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) suspended the entry of commercial goods into the Gaza Strip on October 14, 2026, cutting off supplies of winter clothing and perishable food. Israeli authorities claim the suspension followed a decision by Palestinian merchants to stop coordinating shipments due to threats and extortion by Hamas. COGAT alleges Hamas demanded approximately NIS 10,000 per truck and forced traders to sell 30 percent of their goods in cash to bypass banking channels.
Gaza authorities have denied these allegations, describing them as a disinformation campaign. The Ministry of Economy of Gaza clarified that the NIS 10,000 payments were voluntary donations intended to pay civil servants and support orphans rather than taxes. Additionally, officials stated that cash-transaction measures were initiated by the Chamber of Commerce to address a severe cash shortage.
The suspension has sparked warnings from humanitarian organizations that the loss of commercial markets will increase prices and jeopardize food security. COGAT reports that Gaza currently receives about 250 truckloads of goods daily, which is significantly below the 600-truck minimum established by a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Gaza officials are now calling on international mediators to pressure Israel to honor those commitments.
