Hamas obstructing aid efforts as Gaza supplies exceed humanitarian needs, COGAT says
"The organization interferes with humanitarian operations, exploits civilian infrastructure, influences distribution mechanisms, and continues its repeated attempts to smuggle prohibited items."
Assessment
The Israeli agency COGAT is directly accusing Hamas of active interference in Gaza aid operations, claiming supplies already surpass what is needed. This shifts the narrative from a shortage crisis to one of deliberate obstruction. The accusation of smuggling attempts and exploitation of infrastructure suggests COGAT is laying groundwork to justify stricter controls or reduced flow. Watch for whether international bodies independently verify these claims of oversupply or offer their own accounting.