Hamas has steadily reasserted authority across Gaza in the weeks since last month’s ceasefire, even as U.S.-backed negotiations on the territory’s post-war future remain stalled.
Residents say the group is tightening its grip through economic oversight, price controls and checkpoint monitoring, raising doubts among rival Palestinian factions and foreign governments over whether Hamas will relinquish power as promised.
After Israeli forces pulled back from sections of Gaza following the October ceasefire, Hamas quickly moved to restore on-the-ground control, including killing dozens of Palestinians it accused of collaboration, theft or other crimes.
While Washington’s plan, endorsed by President Donald Trump, calls for Hamas’ disarmament and the creation of a transitional authority supported by a multinational security force, there is still no agreement on who will govern Gaza once the group steps aside.
In interviews with Reuters, a dozen Gazans described increasing Hamas involvement in daily economic life. Ten, including three merchants, said authorities were monitoring incoming goods and levying informal fees on items such as fuel and cigarettes, as well as fining shopkeepers for overcharging.
Ismail al-Thawabta, head of Hamas’ media office, denied the claims, insisting the group was only addressing urgent humanitarian and administrative needs while working to stabilize prices.
Merchants and shoppers say prices remain volatile due to limited supply. “It’s like a stock exchange,” said Mohammed Khalifa in Nuseirat, noting that Gaza’s economic hardship has deepened as winter approaches. Mall owner Hatem Abu Dalal said government teams were actively touring markets to set and enforce prices.
Trump’s Gaza plan, which helped secure the Oct. 10 ceasefire and the release of the last living hostages seized during the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, envisions reconstruction beginning under a new technocratic authority.
But sources told Reuters this week that Gaza’s de facto partition is increasingly likely, with Israeli forces still deployed across more than half the enclave and little momentum behind the diplomatic roadmap.
Nearly all of Gaza’s two million residents live in areas controlled by Hamas, which ousted the Palestinian Authority (PA) in 2007.
The PA and its Fatah movement insist they must have a role in any new administration, but Israel rejects a PA return, and divisions between Fatah and Hamas over how to form the new governing body persist.
Fatah spokesperson Munther al-Hayek said Hamas’ recent actions “give a clear indication that Hamas wants to continue to govern.”
A U.S. State Department spokesperson, responding to reports of Hamas levy collection and economic monitoring, said: “This is why Hamas cannot and will not govern in Gaza,” adding that progress has been made toward standing up the planned multinational force once the U.N. signs off on the Trump proposal.
Hamas, which employed around 50,000 people before the war, has continued paying salaries, standardized at 1,500 shekels ($470) a month, despite heavy casualties among its ranks.
The group has also replaced four regional governors and 11 members of its Gaza politburo who were killed.
A senior food importer said Hamas had not reinstated full taxation but monitors all goods entering its areas through checkpoints, documenting movements and questioning drivers.
While fines for price manipulation have lowered some costs, most goods remain far more expensive than before the war.
Analysts warn that every delay in establishing a new governing structure strengthens Hamas’ position.
“The longer the international community waits, the more entrenched Hamas becomes,” said Washington Institute fellow Ghaith al-Omari.
Gaza activist Mustafa Ibrahim echoed that view, arguing Hamas is using political paralysis “to bolster its rule”, and is likely to continue until an alternative authority finally materializes.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
