The Israeli government has announced plans to reduce by half the number of aid trucks entering Gaza, accusing Hamas of violating an agreement concerning the transfer of hostages’ bodies. The restrictions are set to take effect on Wednesday, October 15.
Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the military body overseeing humanitarian access to Gaza, has also informed the United Nations that fuel and gas deliveries will be suspended—except for strictly defined humanitarian purposes.
According to COGAT documents, Hamas has failed to comply with the agreed terms for returning the bodies of Israeli hostages killed in Gaza. Israel alleges that the group has shown reluctance in handing over the remains, prompting the new restrictions. As part of the measure, the daily number of aid trucks will be capped at 300.
So far, Hamas has transferred the bodies of four hostages to Israel. At least 23 others are believed to be dead, with one still missing. Mediators said Hamas has pledged to locate and transfer four additional bodies soon, claiming delays due to difficulties in locating them.
COGAT did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Olga Cherevko, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), confirmed that the agency had been notified of the Israeli decision. “We hope the transfer of the hostages’ bodies will be completed and that the ceasefire will continue,” she said.
Last Friday, COGAT reported that around 600 aid trucks were entering Gaza daily under the ongoing ceasefire. By Sunday, that number had risen to 817, according to Cherevko. However, UN Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said the number of trucks entering on Monday was not immediately available.
Under Israeli procedures, aid trucks crossing into Gaza offload supplies in the Palestinian-controlled area, where the UN and other humanitarian organizations handle distribution.
