Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Hamas Expands Grip on Gaza Amid Stalled US Transition Plans
Imagine a town where a group called Hamas is in charge.
After a conflict, they are trying to make sure everyone follows their rules again.
Some people in the town say Hamas is watching everything that comes in, like food and gas, and charging extra money for it.
They also say Hamas is checking prices for things like chicken and cigarettes.
Hamas says this isn't true and they are only trying to keep things orderly and fair.
They also say they are ready to let a new group of leaders take over, but no one has decided who that will be yet.
Because things are uncertain, Hamas seems to be making sure people know they are still in charge.
The United States government has said Hamas should not be in charge of the town's future.
Gazans report Hamas is monitoring imports, levying fees on goods like fuel and cigarettes, and fining merchants.
Hamas denies levying new taxes on goods like cigarettes and fuel, stating it is focused on price control and humanitarian tasks.
The US plan for Gaza includes a transitional authority, multinational security force, Hamas disarmament, and reconstruction.
Delays in the US plan are allowing Hamas to potentially become more entrenched in its control.
The US State Department reiterated that Hamas 'cannot and will not govern in Gaza'.
- Who
- Hamas, Gazan civilians, merchants, U.S. State Department, Palestinian Authority (PA), Fatah Movement
- What
- Hamas is reportedly reasserting control in Gaza by monitoring imports, levying fees, and regulating prices, while post-war plans for governance are stalled.
- When
- Following a ceasefire that began last month, with ongoing developments.
- Where
- Gaza
- Why
- Hamas appears to be entrenching its position amidst delays in international plans for Gaza's future governance, while international powers and rivals question its commitment to ceding authority.
Gazans and Analysts
Hamas Government Spokesperson
Hamas's Control and Taxation in Gaza
Gazans and Analysts
Gazans and analysts report Hamas is monitoring imports, levying fees on goods like fuel and cigarettes, and fining merchants. This is seen as an effort to widen control and bolster its rule amid delays in post-war plans.
Hamas Government Spokesperson
Hamas denies levying taxes on cigarettes and fuel, stating its actions are limited to urgent humanitarian and administrative tasks and price control efforts to avoid chaos. The spokesperson reiterated Hamas's readiness to hand over to a technocratic administration.
Future Governance of Gaza
Gazans and Analysts
Hamas's actions suggest a desire to continue governing and exploit delays in the U.S. plan to entrench its rule. A U.S. State Department spokesperson stated that Hamas 'cannot and will not govern in Gaza'.
Hamas Government Spokesperson
Hamas reiterates its readiness to hand over to a new technocratic administration to ensure a smooth transition and avoid chaos, aiming to facilitate the process.
- Ceasefire Date
- October 10
- Hamas Seizure of Territory
- 2007
- Gaza Population
- Nearly 2 million
- Hamas Pre-War Employment
- Up to 50,000
- Standardized Monthly Wage (Post-War)
- 1,500 shekels ($470)
