During the war on Gaza, a network of businessmen established a monopolistic system for coordinating the entry of goods and aid, earning over $1 billion over two years. Ibrahim al-Argany, owner of Sons of Sinai, controls the Egyptian line, while others manage the Israeli line, leading to skyrocketing commodity prices amid famine. The system relies on Israeli permits and partnerships with Palestinian companies, with repeated changes in the mechanism.
The monopolistic system began after Israel's war on Gaza erupted in October 2023, when Israel allowed limited humanitarian aid entry in November, relying on pre-existing infrastructure. Sons of Sinai was the only company equipped for storage and transport from Egypt's side, charging up to $5,000 per truck pre-war, rising to $7,000-$13,000 afterward, plus additional fees. Israel initially granted five Palestinian companies exclusive import rights, like Mohamed al-Khazendar's Three Brothers, for $10,000-$25,000 per truck.
In Ramadan 2024, Palestinian businessmen in Egypt met Ibrahim al-Argany to voice discontent over the monopoly driving up prices. Al-Argany said: “Since Palestinian traders receive huge sums from this trade (due to monopoly) and profit from it, why can’t Sons of Sinai profit as well??!!!,” according to Palestinian Economy Minister Mohamed al-Amour's report. The number of companies increased to 25 in April 2024, but Israel's May invasion of Rafah shifted entries to Kerem Shalom.
In October 2024, Israel banned private imports, but goods entered as aid via a 'war mafia' network involving employees from organizations like World Central Kitchen. Coordination costs reached $60,000-$150,000 per truck. During the January 2025 ceasefire, 60% of trucks carried commercial goods, with total fees of $332 million, including $177 million for Sons of Sinai. Aqsa for Transport and Security emerged, linked to al-Argany through Amr Hadhoud, securing trucks for $10,000-$30,000.
Aid resumed in July 2025, with al-Khazendar monopolizing the Israeli line at $200,000-$300,000 fees, while al-Argany cut to $100,000-$150,000. This drove frozen chicken prices to $40 per kg, deepening famine amid destruction.
