Commercial imports into Gaza were suspended, Israel said, a move it credited to a request from Gaza merchants. Palestinian groups say the decision rests solely with the Jewish state.

Israel’s humanitarian Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories announced the suspension on Wednesday, claiming that Gaza merchants had requested as much due to Hamas taxing their trucks and extorting them. Gaza’s private truckers union, Nahed Sheheiber, denied this, claiming that it was Israel that made the decision unilaterally without a request from Gaza merchants.