Gaza traders face new taxes, import restrictions
In a bid to protect national products, Hamas’ Ministry of National Economy in Gaza imposed new taxes on imported goods and banned traders from importing any goods without its consent.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Hamas’ Ministry of National Economy in Gaza decided Dec. 17 to prevent Gaza traders from importing any goods without its prior consent, a measure it took without any coordination with the Palestinian national consensus government.
This comes at a time when Hamas is reeling under the brunt of a severe financial crisis that hit it in 2014 as a result of the Egyptian army's campaign that started Oct. 26, 2014, and that led to the establishment of a border buffer zone with the Gaza Strip to destroy border tunnels. These tunnels served as Hamas' main funds and weapon supply routes.
The ministry also decided to impose new taxes on imported goods that have a “local alternative of a high quality.” In this context, the ministry published a list containing 95 items and commodities, including flour, oil, biscuits, juices, soft drinks, shampoos and soaps, all kinds of plastics, furniture and wooden articles, sanitary ware, honey and nuts.
The items on the list are deemed to have a local alternative of a high quality.
