Investigation Reveals Israel’s Army’s Role in Allowing Armed Gangs to Extort Humanitarian Aid Trucks in Gaza

Gaza (Quds News Network)- A new investigation by Israeli Haaretz has uncovered a disturbing practice by Israeli forces in Gaza, where they allow armed tribal gangs to systematically block and extort aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip through the Karem Abu Salem crossing.

International aid organizations operating in Gaza report that these armed groups, linked to two prominent families in Rafah, stop a significant number of aid trucks, often holding them up with makeshift roadblocks or shooting at tires. The gangs demand “protection money” amounting to 15,000 shekels (around $3,800) from drivers. If the drivers refuse to comply, they risk abduction or having their trucks hijacked, with the contents often stolen.

Aid organizations report that some are forced to comply with these extortion demands to ensure the delivery of much-needed supplies, including food and medical equipment. However, in cases where payment is refused, aid goods remain stuck in warehouses controlled by the Israeli army.

Sources close to the situation indicate that Palestinian police have tried to intervene but have been attacked by the Israeli army.

International organizations stress the need for a policing force—either Palestinian or international—to ensure the safe passage of aid. However, Israel is opposed to such a move. Instead, the Israeli government has attempted to shift responsibility for aid distribution to the Israeli army, but security authorities are resistant to the idea.

The Escalating Problem of Armed Gangs

The issue has worsened since the Israeli army took control of the Rafah crossing, which had previously served as a major entry point for goods into Gaza.

After the closure of the Gaza-Egypt border, most goods entered through Karem Abu Salem crossing, where armed gangs have gained control of surrounding areas. Over recent weeks, extortion attempts have increased to such an extent that the United Nations has marked the area as a “high-risk zone” due to the collapse of Palestinian civil order.

Aid trucks entering Gaza pass through an Israeli-controlled area before reaching Rafah, where they are ambushed. Sources familiar with the aid delivery process say the armed groups often stop trucks with roadblocks or gunfire and demand money from drivers. Those who resist face serious threats, including being kidnapped or losing their cargo.

Israel’s Knowledge and Support

The Israeli army is fully aware of these incidents, with some reports even stating that Israeli soldiers have witnessed the extortion but have taken no action.

In one case, an international aid official recalled seeing an armed Palestinian holding an AK-47 in close proximity to an Israeli tank, yet no intervention occurred. Some organizations have tried to take alternative routes to avoid the extortion zone, but these attempts have been blocked by the Israeli army.

Additionally, several aid organizations have approached the Israeli army with complaints about the extortion, but their requests for intervention were rejected. While the Israeli army claims to have opened a new route in the southern Gaza Strip as a bypass, reports indicate that extortion continues along this path as well.

Collapse of Civil Order

Israel has systematically targeted personnel affiliated with Gaza’s Ministry of Interior, with a particular focus on police forces throughout.

Observers believe that Israel is intent on pushing forward plans aimed at creating chaos and a breakdown of security within the Gaza Strip.

Since the onset of the genocide on October 7, Israel has been targeting police forces in a deliberate effort to trigger a “security collapse” in the region.

According to the Ministry of Interior, Israeli attacks intensify whenever the police take steps to restore order and curb chaos. The Israeli military executed a plan to dismantle Gaza’s security apparatus by targeting police leaders, officers, and personnel who are responsible for maintaining public safety and protecting the home front.

The attacks have also included police officers escorting trucks delivering food and medical aid to Gaza. This demonstrates Israel’s intention to create conditions that encourage looting and theft, further fueling instability.