Gaza Faces Dire Food Shortages as Israel Halts Humanitarian Aid

Food prices in Gaza are skyrocketing after Israel's halt on humanitarian aid, with critical supplies at risk of depletion, the UN warns.

As food prices in Gaza continue to rise sharply, the United Nations has raised alarms over the scarcity of humanitarian aid following Israel's recent blockade. According to reports from the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), basic food items like flour and vegetables have seen price increases of more than 100%. With the halt on aid, community kitchens that previously served thousands are on the verge of running out of supplies.

The situation escalated after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited concerns that Hamas was misappropriating aid supplies and rejected a proposal for a ceasefire extension put forth by U.S. officials. In response, Hamas labeled the move as "cheap blackmail."

A joint statement from France, Germany, and the UK characterized the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as "catastrophic" and warned that blocking the entry of essential goods violates international humanitarian law. They emphasized the need for a sustained ceasefire and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian assistance.

Under previous ceasefire conditions, aid trucks were entering Gaza in significant numbers, but following the recent stoppage, OCHA indicated that the situation is dire, stating that many community kitchens may soon have to alter meal plans or reduce the number of meals served due to the impending shortages.

Reports from residents of Gaza revealed dramatic increases in food prices overnight, with staples like tomatoes and cucumbers nearly doubling. One resident expressed despair as he noted that the prices had already increased dramatically since the onset of conflict, creating unbearable stress on families.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) condemned Israel's actions, claiming it has created fear and uncertainty that directly contributes to the escalation in food costs. Qatar and Egypt criticized Israel's decision as a breach of established ceasefire agreements and a tactic of starvation against the Palestinian population.

Israeli officials maintain that Hamas has stockpiled resources meant for the public, attributing the situation to the militant group's alleged hoarding. Meanwhile, all forms of aid, including medical supplies, are now impacted by the blockade, leading to heightened concerns over health care within Gaza.

As the conflict continues, reports suggest over one million people in Gaza have received food assistance since the ceasefire began, but the current blockade threatens to leave many without essential support, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.