A dispute over Hamas's demands for payments from Gaza importers disrupted commercial shipments for over a week, after the traders ceased operations on October 14. Hamas demanded 10,000 shekels ($3,200) per truck and required the merchants to make about 30% of the sales in cash. Hamas also detained the son of an importer to pressure his family to comply. Hamas acknowledged the proposed payments but described them as voluntary contributions to a fund that supports vulnerable residents, and denied that it imposed a tax. Commercial shipments resumed on Tuesday after traders reported that Hamas had withdrawn its demands. Israel introduced tighter financial controls, requiring documented bank transfers and warning that importers paying Hamas could lose their authorization. Gaza currently relies on only 13 authorized commercial importers, compared to approximately 2,000 active importers before October 2023. Social media accounts linked to Hamas published the names, photos and phone numbers of 8 merchants accused of disrupting imports. A senior member of the Hamas Chamber of Commerce, Khan Younes, described a system in which business owners are cashed and pressured to make substantial payments based on their perceived wealth, without transparent procedures. The official also said that Hamas seeks to influence the upcoming elections to the Chamber in order to strengthen its control over commercial institutions. Despite the resumption of imports, business representatives in Gaza warn that continued financial pressure and intimidation could cause further disruptions, threatening commercial activity and the availability of essential goods. Meanwhile, Hamas was quick to shift the blame to Israel for the lack of renewable food in Gaza. Hamas spokesman, Hazem Kassem:

A dispute over Hamas's demands for payments from Gaza importers disrupted commercial shipments for over a week, after the traders ceased operations on October 14. Hamas demanded 10,000 shekels ($3,200) per truck and required the merchants to make about 30% of the sales in cash. Hamas also detained the son of an importer to pressure his family to comply. Hamas acknowledged the proposed payments but described them as voluntary contributions to a fund that supports vulnerable residents, and denied that it imposed a tax. Commercial shipments resumed on Tuesday after traders reported that Hamas had withdrawn its demands. Israel introduced tighter financial controls, requiring documented bank transfers and warning that importers paying Hamas could lose their authorization. Gaza currently relies on only 13 authorized commercial importers, compared to approximately 2,000 active importers before October 2023. Social media accounts linked to Hamas published the names, photos and phone numbers of 8 merchants accused of disrupting imports. A senior member of the Hamas Chamber of Commerce, Khan Younes, described a system in which business owners are cashed and pressured to make substantial payments based on their perceived wealth, without transparent procedures. The official also said that Hamas seeks to influence the upcoming elections to the Chamber in order to strengthen its control over commercial institutions. Despite the resumption of imports, business representatives in Gaza warn that continued financial pressure and intimidation could cause further disruptions, threatening commercial activity and the availability of essential goods. Meanwhile, Hamas was quick to shift the blame to Israel for the lack of renewable food in Gaza. Hamas spokesman, Hazem Kassem: