Recent reports have revealed alarming statistics about the control of humanitarian aid in Gaza.

Speaking to i24NEWS, sources indicated that out of about 200 aid trucks that entered Gaza in the past few days, over 170 were reported to have been robbed. Residents of Gaza believe that this systematic theft is a tactic used by Hamas to maintain control over the flow of aid.

According to Mekorot, the organization behind the report, many of the robbers are linked to gangs and militias operating under the influence of Hamas. These groups reportedly charge transit taxes ranging from $27,000 to $50,000, or 50% of the value of the truck’s contents. Some militias receive a monthly payment of $10,000 from Hamas to ensure they prevent any interference with aid deliveries.

In addition, Hamas has assigned specific routes to these gangs, especially in southern Gaza, to regulate the distribution of humanitarian aid, ensuring that it only reaches their members in exchange for wages or food stamps.

As a result of this crisis, essential goods are being sold at exorbitant prices, with bags of flour costing $700, bags of rice for $500 and packs of cigarettes reaching around $1,500.

In response to the rampant theft, a new police unit called “Sham”, which means “arrow” in Arabic, was established by Hamas to monitor market prices and strengthen its governance. This unit, made up largely of personnel from the Rapid Response Unit, has recently recruited dozens of young volunteers, many seeking food security for their families in exchange for their service.

The sham unit operates in the markets to prevent price gouging and to curb “war fairs”, where humanitarian aid is sold at high prices. Despite its stated goals, residents have noted that the new police force seems more focused on maintaining Hamas’ control of the territory and preventing internal dissent than genuinely addressing the humanitarian crisis.

Overall, while the entity aims to manage the distribution of aid and assert control, many in Gaza perceive it as a way for Hamas to reinforce its authority amid growing discontent among the population.