Food prices in Gaza have surged sharply following Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid, with crucial food parcels set to run out soon, according to the UN’s humanitarian agency.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the cost of flour and vegetables has more than doubled in some cases, with residents confirming the steep price hikes to the BBC. Gaza’s ongoing food crisis could worsen, as OCHA warns that at least 80 community kitchens may soon deplete their stocks, and food parcels designed to assist 500,000 people are expected to be exhausted soon.
The halt on aid deliveries came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the blockade over allegations that Hamas had been stealing humanitarian supplies. Netanyahu also rejected a U.S. proposal for extending a ceasefire in Gaza. A Hamas spokesperson labeled the decision “cheap blackmail.”
In response, foreign ministers from France, Germany, and the UK issued a joint statement expressing grave concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The ministers condemned Israel’s actions, which they said could breach international humanitarian law, emphasizing that humanitarian aid should never be used as leverage in political negotiations.
“Humanitarian aid should never be contingent on a ceasefire or used as a political tool,” the ministers stated. They called for the continuation of the ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the unfettered delivery of aid to Gaza.
Since the ceasefire began on January 19, thousands of aid trucks have entered Gaza each week. However, after the ceasefire’s first phase expired on Saturday, Netanyahu accused Hamas of pilfering supplies to fund its operations. Hamas, on the other hand, has repeatedly denied such claims.
The situation has sparked significant local unrest. Abu Qais Aryan from Khan Younis reported that food prices doubled overnight, noting that the price of a kilogram of tomatoes had soared from 5 shekels ($1.38) to 10 shekels, while cucumbers rose from 6 to 17 shekels. Other residents reported a severe shortage of basic goods and rising consumption.
Some residents are blaming merchants for the price hikes, claiming they are exploiting the crisis. Merchant Mahmoud Abu Mohsen told BBC Arabic that wholesalers had raised prices, forcing him to do the same. “I don’t make more than a small profit,” he explained, citing the recent rise in sugar prices from 5 to 6 shekels per kilogram.
International aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), have expressed alarm. MSF spokeswoman Caroline Seguin highlighted the skyrocketing prices of basic goods like sugar and eggs in Gaza City and Khan Younis. “The news has created uncertainty and fear, causing food prices to spike,” Seguin stated, condemning Israel’s decision to block aid as “unacceptable” and “outrageous.”
Qatar and Egypt, both of which helped mediate the ceasefire, also criticized Israel’s actions. Qatar called the blockade a “clear violation” of the ceasefire agreement and international law, while Egypt accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon against Palestinians.
In a video briefing, Israeli government spokesman David Mencer claimed that Hamas had been hoarding supplies for months and had enough food to cause “an obesity epidemic.” He argued that Hamas was refusing to share supplies with the population.
The blockade is not limited to food supplies. Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) reported that while some medical reserves are still available, most aid in Gaza has been for immediate distribution. MSF also expressed concerns about the fuel shortages that could cripple hospitals, particularly those dependent on generators to operate critical medical equipment.
The ongoing ceasefire was established after 15 months of intense conflict following Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel’s air and ground campaigns have resulted in at least 48,405 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
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