Staple prices rise as Gaza families fear food shortages after Israel halts commercial shipments

Staple prices rise in markets

Marketplaces have become somewhat busier than usual as residents respond to uncertainty about crossings. Al-Barawi said prices had jumped over two or three days and warned they could rise further if closures continued for another 10 to 15 days.

He predicted that a 50-kilogram sack of flour might reach 200 or 300 shekels ($60–$90) if crossings remained shut. He also criticized traders for raising prices amid reports of possible continued closures, worsening shortages.

Families struggle to buy food

Atallah said flour had risen from 25 to 35 shekels ($7.50–$10.50) per sack before the closure to about 80 shekels ($24). With little income and a family to support, she said buying basic food had become increasingly difficult.

Aid flour lasts her family less than a month. They rely on rice and lentils and can afford only a small amount of bread; Atallah said they sometimes skip breakfast or dinner and make lunch their main meal.

She said her family could not stock up because it had no income. Atallah warned that if crossings remained closed for 10 or 15 days, prices would become extremely high, leaving people without money unable to buy in advance.

Stockpiling has practical limits

Residents with little money are especially exposed to daily price increases if the border stays closed, as they must buy food when they can. Stockpiling is not a simple solution for everyone.

Al-Barawi said fresh vegetables can spoil within days. Unreliable electricity also makes it difficult to keep meat for more than a short time.

Gaza office disputes explanation

The office said Gaza authorities were not responsible for fewer trucks entering the enclave. It called on mediators and international parties to seek the entry of 600 trucks daily, in line with existing agreements with Israel, and warned that continued restrictions would deepen Gaza’s humanitarian and economic crisis.