Gaza residents are feeling the pinch as Israel blocks all goods and humanitarian aid from entering the territory, causing food prices to soar. The halt on aid, which began on Sunday, aims to pressure Hamas into accepting a new proposal for extending the cease-fire.
However, Palestinians say it is having a broader effect, with essential goods becoming increasingly expensive. “It was a complete shock,” said Iman Saber, a 24-year-old nurse from northern Gaza, who lives in a tent with her father and mother. “We couldn’t wait for shops to reopen and prices to drop, but now everything is becoming expensive again.”
The blockage of aid and commercial shipments has affected not only humanitarian assistance but also the supply of essential goods such as sugar, oil, and chicken. The United Nations and several aid groups have condemned Israel’s decision, calling it a “reckless act of collective punishment” that will have devastating consequences in Gaza.
Israeli officials claim that the existing supplies are enough for several more months, but aid groups argue that this is not sufficient to meet the needs of Gazans, particularly those struggling with hunger and poverty. The situation is further exacerbated by reports of merchants deliberately hoarding goods to sell at inflated prices.
As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, Gazans are facing a difficult time, with food prices on the rise and hope dwindling. “We were able to breathe for a bit and feel some hope again,” said Saber. “But now, we’re feeling depressed again.” The Gazan Interior Ministry has urged people to report price increases and any suspicious activities by merchants.
The aid halt has sparked concerns over the impact on Gazans, who are already struggling with poverty and hunger. As one resident noted, “Everything will become expensive again.”
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/03/world/middleeast/gaza-aid-israel.html