COGAT: "Hamas remains the main obstacle to improving the quality of life in the Gaza Strip"

A senior COGAT official stated that Hamas remains the main obstacle to improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, as it interferes with aid operations and smuggles prohibited items. However, the volume of incoming aid exceeds needs, with a 72% drop in food prices.

A senior official from the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) stated yesterday (Sunday) that Hamas remains the main obstacle to further improvement of the situation in the Gaza Strip. According to him, the organization interferes with humanitarian activities, exploits civilian infrastructure, influences distribution mechanisms, and continues attempts to smuggle prohibited items under the guise of humanitarian aid. COGAT's analysis determines that the volume of aid entering the Strip significantly exceeds the humanitarian needs as defined by the UN and international organizations. Since the beginning of the ceasefire in October 2025, over two million tons of food have been transferred, with about 600 trucks entering the Strip daily, 70%-80% of which carry food. Food prices have dropped by approximately 72%. 41 bakeries operated by international organizations produce more than 3 million pitas per day. In terms of water, over 70,000 cubic meters are supplied to the Strip daily, equivalent to more than 60 liters per person. Four water lines are active, three of them from Israel. Over 21,000 tons of medical equipment have entered the Strip, and hospital bed occupancy has increased by more than 50%. The senior official clarified that Israel will continue to work to improve the humanitarian response while preventing its exploitation by Hamas.