DaysofPal- A worsening bread crisis is once again gripping the Gaza Strip, with long queues forming outside bakeries and rising prices pushing thousands of families closer to hunger amid declining supplies and ongoing economic strain.
The crisis aggravates because of the suffocating Israeli siege, which prevents cooking gas, in addition to restrictions on food supplies into the Gaza Strip.
Residents say securing basic bread has become a daily struggle, as shortages intensify and prices fluctuate sharply.
“I used to buy a bundle of bread at the official price of three shekels, but now it’s very difficult to find it at that rate,” said resident Mutasim Al-Suweisi.
He added that some vendors are selling bread for as much as 15 shekels, far beyond what many families can afford.
The crisis extends beyond bread to flour, with the price of a sack rising from 25 to 70 shekels, further limiting households’ ability to cope. Many families rely on bread as a staple food, making the shortages particularly severe.
For Fatima Al-Sayed Ahmed, a 45-year-old mother, the situation has become increasingly desperate.
“I stand for hours in front of bakeries and sometimes return home empty-handed,” she said, adding, “I’ve had to reduce meals for my children; we no longer know how to manage.” Others point to additional daily challenges.
“Even when I have money, I sometimes can’t buy anything because vendors don’t have change,” said resident Moeen Nattat, highlighting how cash shortages are compounding the crisis.
Economic analyst Ahmed Abu Qamar said the bread shortage reflects a broader breakdown in Gaza’s food supply system.
He noted that production has dropped by around 30% while demand continues to rise, fueling price hikes and the emergence of a black market.
According to Abu Qamar, bread subsidized by the World Food Program is officially priced at three shekels but is being sold for between seven and 15 shekels, an increase of up to 400%.
Meanwhile, flour prices have surged by nearly 180%, underscoring the scale of the food security crisis.
With approximately 95% of Gaza’s population relying on humanitarian aid and 59% fully dependent on assistance, even small price increases are placing necessities out of reach for many households.
Experts warn that the crisis is driven not only by price inflation but also by structural issues, including reduced aid deliveries, bakery shutdowns, and shortages of fuel, oil, and spare parts needed for production.
Calls are growing for urgent intervention, including reopening crossings, restoring supply chains, and stabilizing market prices. Without immediate action, analysts warn that bread, once a basic staple, could become a scarce commodity in Gaza.
The crisis comes amid continued restrictions on the entry of goods and aid into the territory, with officials reporting a significant decline in the number of relief trucks entering Gaza.
The ongoing closures have led to severe shortages of essential commodities, further complicating daily life for residents already facing dire humanitarian conditions.
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