The Finance Ministry of the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip imposed a 16.5% tax on West Bank products entering Gaza as of May 22. The tax was imposed on 24 products, including bottled mineral water, soft drinks and entertainment products.
The decision will further increase the already high prices of these products for the residents of the besieged enclave, amid the deteriorating economy due to the ongoing Israeli siege and repeated Israeli wars, and a poverty rate of up to 70%.
