Reuters: Hamas tightens control in Gaza as delays stall US-backed transition plan

Hamas is expanding its administrative control over Gaza as international efforts to implement a US-backed postwar governance plan stall, according to residents and merchants across the enclave.

Gazans say Hamas has increased monitoring of goods entering areas it controls, levying fees on some privately imported items such as fuel and cigarettes, and fining merchants accused of overcharging. Ten residents, speaking to Reuters, including three merchants, described tighter economic oversight, though Hamas denies introducing new taxes.

Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas government media office, said reports of new levies were inaccurate and that authorities were only carrying out essential duties while making “strenuous efforts” to regulate prices. He reiterated Hamas’ readiness to hand over power, saying, “Our goal is for the transition to proceed smoothly.”

Merchants say prices remain high because of insufficient supplies. Hatem Abu Dalal, owner of a Gaza mall, said officials were attempting to “bring order” by inspecting goods and setting prices. 

In Nuseirat, shopper Mohammed Khalifa said costs change constantly:

“It’s like a stock exchange,” he said.“The prices are high. There’s no income, circumstances are difficult, life is hard, and winter is coming.”

The increased oversight comes after Hamas rapidly reestablished control in areas from which Israeli forces withdrew following last month’s ceasefire, killing dozens of Palestinians it accused of collaboration or criminal activity.

The ceasefire followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan, which secured the release of the remaining living hostages captured in the October 7, 2023 attacks. The plan calls for a transitional authority, a multinational security force, Hamas’ disarmament, and reconstruction. But sources told Reuters that Gaza now faces a growing de facto partition, with Israeli troops still deployed in over half the territory and implementation efforts faltering.

Analyst Ghaith al-Omari said Hamas is signaling it remains indispensable: “The longer that the international community waits, the more entrenched Hamas becomes.”

Responding to reports of Hamas imposing fees, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said: 

“This is why Hamas cannot and will not govern in Gaza.” 

The spokesperson added that a new administration can be formed once the UN approves Trump’s plan.

A senior food importer said Hamas had not resumed full taxation but “see and record everything,” with checkpoints monitoring incoming shipments and fines imposed on price manipulators.

Before the war, Hamas employed up to 50,000 people; thousands were killed, but remaining staff are prepared to work under a new administration, Thawabta said. Salaries continued through the war at a standardized 1,500 shekels ($470) a month, according to Hamas sources and economists. The group has also replaced several slain governors and 11 Gaza politburo members.

Gaza analyst Mustafa Ibrahim said Hamas is using delays in the U.S. plan “to bolster its rule.” He added, “Will it be allowed to continue doing so? I think it will continue until an alternative government is in place.”

By Sabina Mammadli