The liquidity paradox in Gaza: Citizens pay to get cash and to get rid of it

In the Gaza Strip, the cash liquidity crisis has developed into a paradox where citizens pay commissions to obtain cash, then pay again to get rid of it and convert it into electronic credit due to merchants' preference for digital payment. Commissions range between 3% and 10% and may reach a deduction of 700 shekels for converting 2000 shekels. Citizens demand regulation of commissions and increased payment options.

In the Gaza Strip, the cash liquidity crisis has developed into a striking paradox. Citizens no longer pay only to obtain cash, but also pay again to get rid of it and convert it into electronic credit. Citizens complain about the difficulty of using paper currency, even new notes, as merchants prefer electronic payment. Cash holders are forced to pay high commissions to convert their money into usable digital balances. Citizen Ghassan Abed recounts that he had to convert 2000 old shekels into electronic credit worth 1300 shekels, a deduction of 700 shekels. Economic expert Ahmad Abu Qamar explains that the value of money has become tied to its ease of use and tradability, describing the process as "balancing." Commissions range between 3% and 10% and may increase depending on the quality of the banknote. Citizens demand a clear mechanism to regulate commissions and increase payment options, amid varying abilities of people to use digital applications and problems with electricity and communications.