Hamas consolidates its quiet control over Gaza by imposing taxes and fines.. and Washington reiterates: "It will have no role in governance."

At a time when U.S. plans for the future governance of the small enclave are still "slowly taking shape," residents and traders in the Gaza Strip revealed that Hamas has begun quiet steps to re-establish its control over the territory.

This move comes after the ceasefire began last month on October 10, with reports indicating that Hamas quickly regained control over areas from which Israel withdrew, executing dozens of Palestinians on charges of "collaborating with Israel or theft."

Dozens of Gaza residents said they increasingly feel Hamas taking control in non-military ways. Ten residents, including three traders with direct knowledge of the matter, confirmed that the authorities are monitoring everything that enters the areas under their control.

They added that the authorities are "imposing taxes on certain goods" imported by the private sector, such as fuel and cigarettes, and are imposing fines on traders who sell goods at prices higher than the set price.

For his part, Hatem Abu Dalal, owner of a commercial center in Gaza, stated that prices are high due to a shortage of incoming goods, confirming that "government representatives are trying to stabilize the economy through field visits, inspecting goods, and setting prices."

In contrast, Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the government media office in Gaza, denied reports of taxes being imposed on cigarettes and fuel, describing them as "inaccurate," and denied that the government has raised taxes.

These moves by Hamas come amid a clear stagnation in efforts to advance the "Trump Plan" for Gaza. Despite the ceasefire beginning on October 10, the subsequent phases of establishing a transitional authority, deploying a multinational force, and disarming Hamas remain stalled.

Ghaith Al-Omari, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, believes that Hamas's actions "aim to show both the residents of Gaza and foreign powers that it cannot be marginalized."

In a sharp response to reports of Hamas imposing fees and regulating markets, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said: "That’s why Hamas cannot govern Gaza, and it will not happen."