Hamas reportedly seeking to widen control over Gaza

Accounts of price regulation, taxation add to doubts on whether group will really cede authority

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Palestinians at a market in the Gaza Strip. The authorities monitor everything coming into areas of Gaza held by Hamas, levying fees on some privately imported goods and fining merchants seen to be overcharging for goods.

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

From regulating the price of chicken to levying fees on cigarettes, Hamas is seeking to widen control over Gaza as American plans for its future slowly take shape, Gazans say, adding to rivals' doubts over whether the militant group will cede authority as promised.

After a ceasefire began in October, Hamas swiftly reestablished its hold over areas from where Israel withdrew, killing dozens of Palestinians it accused of collaborating with Israel, theft or other crimes.

Foreign powers demand Hamas disarm and leave the government, but they have yet to agree on who will replace the group.

Now, a dozen Gazans say they are increasingly feeling Hamas control in other ways.

The authorities monitor everything coming into areas of Gaza held by Hamas, levying fees on some privately imported goods, including fuel and cigarettes, and fining merchants seen to be overcharging for goods.

Mr Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of Hamas' media office, said accounts of the group taxing cigarettes and fuel were inaccurate, denying it was raising any taxes.

The authorities were only carrying out urgent humanitarian and administrative tasks while making “strenuous efforts” to control prices, he said.

He reiterated Hamas' readiness to hand over to a new technocratic administration, saying it aimed to avoid chaos in Gaza.