DaysofPal- Residents of the Gaza Strip are facing a worsening cooking gas crisis, as limited humanitarian aid and ongoing Israeli restrictions continue to strain daily life and increase the suffering of the people, forcing thousands of displaced families to burn plastic, fabric, and other waste materials to prepare food.
According to a report by Al Jazeera, the shortage persists despite a humanitarian protocol tied to a ceasefire agreement announced in October 2025.
Israeli occupation is reportedly allowing fuel and cooking gas into Gaza only in very limited quantities, insufficient to meet growing demand.
Initially, many residents turned to firewood as an alternative. However, prices have surged dramatically, with one kilogram exceeding $3, well beyond the reach of most families who have lost their sources of income since the war began.
The report noted that gathering firewood has become increasingly dangerous. Some residents are forced to venture into eastern border areas near Israeli military positions, risking exposure to gunfire and surveillance drones.
Displaced families living in camps have increasingly resorted to burning nylon, plastic, and cloth, despite the thick smoke and health risks associated with these materials.
The toxic fumes pose particular dangers to the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions.
One displaced man, identified as Abu Bilal, said his family has not received cooking gas for nearly two months. “We go out searching for pieces of wood or bits of nylon just to get by,” he said, explaining that preparing a single meal requires three to four kilograms of firewood, costing between 30 and 40 shekels per day.
Abu Bilal, who suffers from eye problems and holds a medical referral for treatment outside Gaza, said he is now forced to sit for long hours near smoke and open flames despite the risks to his health.
In a similar account, a displaced Palestinian woman described spending hours each day cooking over open fires for her large family.
She noted that even when gas cylinders are available, they are insufficient. Families have begun distinguishing between different materials based on the amount of smoke they produce and their impact on respiratory health.
She added that her children spend their days collecting plastic, carpets, and cloth scraps to use as alternative fuel, as gas remains unavailable and firewood prices continue to rise.
The report warned of serious health consequences from inhaling toxic fumes produced by burning plastic and fabric inside tents, especially amid the collapse of the healthcare system and shortages of medicine.
These conditions could lead to a rise in chronic respiratory illnesses among displaced populations.
The ongoing shortage of fuel and cooking gas, combined with unemployment and lack of income, is worsening the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Families are struggling to meet even the most basic daily needs, more than six months after the ceasefire was announced.
Despite the agreement, Israeli occupation continues its military campaign in Gaza, including the ongoing bombardment and Israeli restrictions on the entry of sufficient food, medicine, medical supplies, shelter materials, and prefabricated housing.
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