Traders Halt Goods Delivery to Gaza Amid Tax Dispute with Hamas

JERUSALEM: Traders have suspended the delivery of commercial goods into Gaza due to a tax dispute with Hamas and alleged threats from the group, according to Israeli officials. This disruption comes as the region grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by ongoing tensions and a fragile ceasefire that has been in place since October 2025.

The Israeli defense ministry agency, COGAT, reported that merchants have ceased coordination for the entry of goods into Gaza until further notice. They claim this decision stems from coercion by Hamas, which they allege demanded a tax of approximately 10,000 shekels ($3,200) for goods entering the territory. Hamas, however, has denied these allegations, asserting that any payments are voluntary initiatives.

This development poses significant implications for the already beleaguered population of Gaza, which has been under blockade for years, even prior to Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. The suspension of goods delivery threatens to worsen the humanitarian situation, limiting access to essential supplies and further straining the local economy.

As international representatives involved in the ceasefire negotiations are alerted to the situation, the next steps remain uncertain. Discussions regarding the humanitarian needs of Gaza and the ongoing tax dispute are expected to take precedence in upcoming meetings, as stakeholders seek to restore the flow of goods into the territory.