Markets in the Gaza Strip are experiencing a sharp rise in the prices of goods imported from the West Bank and Israeli-occupied territories, which has sparked anger among citizens already struggling with difficult economic conditions due to the ongoing war.

The price increase is attributed to several factors, with the most notable being the manipulation and monopolistic practices of certain merchants. Additionally, local institutions are exploiting humanitarian aid, selling it instead of distributing it to those who need it most.

An official from a chamber of commerce in the West Bank, who wished to remain anonymous, explained that coordination with the occupation authorities to bring goods into Gaza has become a commodity in itself, sold at high prices, which has led to an increase in the final cost of the goods. He added that the lack of effective oversight in Gaza, due to Israeli restrictions, coupled with the laxity of controls in the West Bank, has allowed some merchants to monopolise the market and take advantage of the urgent need for basic goods to inflate prices.

The official pointed out that merchants pay substantial sums to the Israeli occupation to facilitate the entry of goods, which results in higher prices. In this context, Saeed Salmi, the Secretary of the North Hebron Chamber of Commerce, called for the relevant authorities to intervene and regulate the process of bringing goods into Gaza, as well as prevent the commercial exploitation being practiced by some merchants controlling the coordination process. Salmi stressed that regulating the market and ensuring fair competition are essential steps to achieve economic justice, providing goods at reasonable prices and improving the economic situation in Gaza.

In a related issue, a merchant revealed that some local institutions, which are supposed to distribute humanitarian aid, are instead selling it to traders, exacerbating the crisis and further inflating prices. He added that some charitable institutions are agreeing with suppliers to bring goods as aid and then transferring them to merchants' warehouses, in exchange for profits benefiting the boards of these institutions.

These practices, which contradict both economic principles and the Islamic religion, have left the ordinary citizen as the primary victim. With the worsening economic situation and soaring prices for essential commodities, many families are struggling to meet basic needs. The cost of essentials such as flour, oil, and sugar has surged due to manipulation and lack of oversight.

In light of these challenges, calls are growing for urgent action to resolve the situation and hold those responsible accountable to ensure a decent standard of living for Gaza’s citizens.

Economic expert Muhammad Sakik warns that the continued rise in prices in Gaza will have serious consequences for both the local economy and society. The high prices are diminishing citizens’ purchasing power, threatening social stability, and increasing poverty and unemployment. In an interview with Palestine Online, he called for swift and effective intervention by the relevant authorities to regulate the market, strengthen control over traders, and ensure fair distribution of humanitarian aid. Sakik stressed that solutions begin with activating economic oversight laws and achieving justice between all parties to alleviate the burden on citizens, who are paying the highest price in this ongoing crisis.

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