Gaza Herald – The Government Media Office in the Gaza Strip on Thursday debunked allegations made by the so-called “Coordinator for Israeli Government Activities,” asserting that these claims constitute a blatant disinformation campaign aimed at justifying the ongoing siege and starvation policies against the sector.
According to the office, the occupation authorities are attempting to fabricate false narratives regarding trade mechanisms and cargo entry procedures. They are promoting baseless accusations about imposing financial penalties on merchants and distorting cash transaction procedures to evade humanitarian obligations and justify new restrictions.
The statement revealed that urgent official messages and communications were directed to mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, as well as Ramiz Akramov, the Acting Special Coordinator for the Peace Process, Nikolai Mladenov, Director of the Board of Peace, and Ali Shuqair, Commissioner-General of the UNRWA Gaza National Committee, to present them with overwhelming facts.
The office firmly denied the imposition of any government taxes or fees on commercial trucks over the past three years, citing exceptional circumstances. It clarified that the 10,000 shekels figure raised by the occupation refers to an optional community initiative participated in by businessmen for a national fund dedicated entirely to supporting vulnerable groups, shelter projects, sanitation, and relief efforts.
Regarding cash transactions involving a 30 percent rate, the statement explained that these measures were implemented in full coordination with the Chamber of Commerce to address severe liquidity shortages and worn-out banknotes, rather than being a unilateral decision or a method to control funds as alleged by the occupation.
The authority emphasized its commitment to applying the law and combating monopolies and price manipulation. It noted that any actions taken against certain merchants were based solely on legal suspicions and violations related to illicit enrichment, subject to judicial due process.
The statement stressed that the highest priority is the regular flow of goods according to the agreements of the Sinai Path, which obligates the occupation government to enter 600 trucks daily. It rejected any attempts to link this obligation to baseless claims or hold government bodies responsible for disruptions.
International and UN bodies, along with mediators, were urged to be cautious about adopting the occupation’s misleading narratives and to increase actual pressure to compel the opening of crossings and the entry of aid and supplies without any constraints or extortion.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
