Ironically, Hamas leaders in Gaza continue calling for an end to the Israeli embargo on Gaza, but on the other hand, they are becoming wealthy as they continue levying taxes on black market imports of cement, cigarettes, and gasoline.

An estimated 70 smuggling tunnels are operating around-the-clock, permitting the illegal import of goods from Egypt. Some smugglers are paying government officials as much as $20,000 a day for their turning a blind eye to the major smuggling operation. The smuggling is estimated to be yielding $1.4 million daily.

Hamas government officials are taking 20% of the gasoline being smuggled from Egypt, as well as their share of all sales, including building supplies and food basics.

For example, a 50kg bag of cement is now selling for NIS 150. Prior to the Israeli embargo, a ton of cement was selling for NIS 250. A 20 liter can of gasoline sells for NIS 250-300 and prices continue to rise.

Most Gazans may not be able to afford the current black market prices but the upper class apparently represents a large enough market to keep smugglers working day and night.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)