Gaza economic crisis worsens due to import monopolies and price manipulation

The Gaza Strip is facing severe economic instability driven by import monopolies, liquidity shortages, and rising commodity prices. Restrictions on goods entering the territory have concentrated importing power within a small group of merchants, which limits market competition and allows for significant control over the types, quantities, and timing of available supplies.

Reports indicate that the number of authorized importers has fluctuated, with recent estimates suggesting a small circle of merchants holds substantial influence. This concentration of power, combined with high coordination fees for truck entries—ranging from 200,000 to over 1.5 million shekels—has driven up costs for essential goods.

Public anger is mounting due to allegations of price manipulation and exploitation. Some merchants are accused of artificially creating crises to maximize profits during the ongoing conflict and blockade. Furthermore, there are reports of certain traders coordinating with Israeli officers to manage stockpiled goods, selling them at vastly inflated prices while much of the population faces food insecurity and extreme poverty.