The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories announced Tuesday morning following the Diplomatic-Security Cabinet decision to expand humanitarian aid scope that a mechanism has been approved for renewed entry of goods through the private sector in Gaza in a gradual and controlled manner. This aims to increase the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip while reducing dependence on aid collection by the UN and international organizations.
According to security sources, the decision to increase aid is a decision by the political echelon. Some argue this represents "an attempt to prepare the ground for extensive military action in the Strip," which is apparently already being planned.
As part of developing the mechanism, the security system approved a limited number of local merchants subject to several criteria and rigorous security screening.
The approved goods include basic food staples, baby formula, fruits and vegetables, and hygiene products. Payment transfers for purchasing the goods will be conducted through bank transfers only under a control and supervision mechanism. All goods will undergo rigorous inspection by the Land Crossings Authority at the Ministry of Defense before entering the Gaza Strip.
According to the data, more than 300 trucks entered Gaza and are now awaiting collection and distribution, along with hundreds of others still waiting in line for pickup by the UN. Nearly 250 trucks were collected and distributed by the UN and international organizations.
"The IDF through COGAT in cooperation with security bodies will continue operating control and supervision mechanisms for aid entry to the Gaza Strip, while taking all possible actions to prevent involvement of the terrorist organization Hamas in the processes of bringing and distributing aid," COGAT stated.
