Full Breakdown
Israel Resumes Commercial Shipments to Gaza After Fee Dispute
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Resumption of Commercial Goods Flow
On October 19 2026 Israel announced a gradual reopening of the commercial crossing into Gaza after a several-day suspension. The pause had been triggered by reports that Hamas authorities were demanding a payment of 10,000 shekels (about $3,225) per truck. COGAT said merchants reported that Hamas had withdrawn the demand, prompting the decision to restart shipments with priority given to essential food and winter supplies.
Background & Context: Ceasefire and Humanitarian Situation
The suspension occurred within the U.S.–brokered ceasefire that began in October 2025, which halted the heaviest fighting but did not end Israeli airstrikes or aid restrictions. Gaza remains heavily dependent on external assistance after three years of war and a blockade that has limited food, medicine and other necessities.
Timeline
- Oct 16 2026 – Israel halted commercial trucks after merchants cited a 10,000-shekel fee imposed by Hamas.
- Oct 2 2026 – OCHA reported food prices at 204 % above pre-October 2023 levels.
- Oct 19 2026 – Israel announced the gradual resumption of commercial shipments.
Data & Statistics
- Disputed fee: 10,000 shekels per truck (~$3,225).
- Price spikes reported by Gaza residents: eggs 35 -> 60-70 shekels per carton; onions 5-6 -> 8-10 shekels per kilogram; flour 25-35 -> ? 80 shekels per sack.
- OCHA’s Oct 2 report noted food prices were 204 % higher than before the October 2023 war.
- Gaza health officials estimate about 1,500 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire; Israel reports four soldiers killed.
- COGAT indicated that if merchants refuse coordination, daily truck entries could fall to roughly 300 trucks, about half the pre-halt level of 600 trucks per day demanded by Gaza’s Government Media Office.
Official Statements & Responses
Merchants found to have paid Hamas would be excluded from the system.
Hamas described the charge as a “voluntary contribution” to a national fund supporting vulnerable families.
The Gaza Government Media Office rejected claims that it imposes taxes on trucks, labeling the fee a community-initiated donation and calling for the daily entry of 600 trucks.
Criticism & Opposition
Gaza’s Government Media Office accused Israel of using the fee dispute to justify further restrictions, arguing the blockade forces families to “stock up” amid rising prices.
UN agencies warned that progress against malnutrition could be reversed if commercial supplies remain disrupted, noting only one-third of children under two achieve minimum dietary diversity.
On-the-Ground Reports
Ismail al-Barawi, a trader from Jabalia, said a carton of eggs jumped from 35 shekels to 60-70 shekels within days of the crossing closure, forcing him to buy only a few eggs.
Iman Atallah, a displaced resident of Beit Lahiya, reported flour rising from 25-35 shekels to about 80 shekels, making basic meals unaffordable.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Casualty figures match in number but differ in attribution.
The exact daily truck count after resumption remains unclear: COGAT mentions a gradual restart, Israel Today predicts 300 trucks per day, and Gaza officials continue to demand 600.