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Hamas imposes new taxes on products imported from West Bank

Hamas' Ministry of Finance in the Gaza Strip is imposing a new tax on imported West Bank products, which will add to the hike in prices amid a devastated economy due to the Israeli siege and repeated Israeli wars.

A Palestinian farmer carries boxed strawberries as they are harvested for home consumption and export in Beit Lahia, Gaza Strip, Dec. 10, 2013.
A Palestinian farmer carries boxed strawberries as they are harvested for home consumption and export in Beit Lahia, Gaza Strip, Dec. 10, 2013. — Mohammed Abed/AFP via Getty Images

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%.

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