GAZA CITY: Hikes in import and export tariffs imposed by the Hamas rulers of Gaza Strip since last year have fuelled discontent among merchants in the impoverished, blockaded territory.

In March, Gaza’s rulers imposed new duties on the import of fruit and the export of fish.

Although the fruit levy was later reversed after traders went on strike, the seafood duty remains. Traders refusing to pay risk having their perishable goods stalled at crossing points from the enclave.

The increases are the latest in a series of new levies on goods entering and exiting the coastal territory where 2.3 million Palestinians struggle to survive.

In July last year, Hamas imposed tax increases on 24 other items, including bottled water and certain clothes, forcing traders to remove some brands from the market when shoppers could not afford the newly inflated prices.

Wassim al Hilu, a food importer-exporter and member of Gaza’s chamber of commerce, said Gazans are already saddled with taxes paid to Israel — which collects a range of fees on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2023