In brief
A recent halt on aid and commercial goods by Israel is driving food prices up in the Gaza Strip, leaving residents struggling during Ramadan.
By Hiba Yazbek, Jerusalem – March 3, 2025 In a stunning turn of events, Israel implemented a complete blockade on aid and commercial goods to the Gaza Strip, prompting immediate inflation of food prices critical for everyday survival. Residents, like 24-year-old nurse Iman Saber, are now grappling with soaring costs for basic necessities such as sugar, oil, and chicken. Ms. Saber expressed her dismay over the blockade, exacerbating her family's hardships as they navigate life while living in a tent due to the ongoing conflict. The cease-fire previously raised hopes for recovery, yet the blockade has swiftly dashed those hopes. "We couldn't wait for shops to reopen and prices to drop," she lamented in a phone call. "But now everything is becoming expensive again." This Israeli blockade, aimed at applying pressure on Hamas to accept a new cease-fire proposal, not only halts humanitarian aid but also severely impacts commercial shipments. Originally, this blockade comes in the wake of a failed proposal which involved a potential extension of hostilities in exchange for the release of hostages captured during attacks last year on October 7. The situation has become especially dire as the blockade coincides with the important religious observance of Ramadan, traditionally a time of communal sharing and feasting. Residents of Gaza now find themselves caught between the enduring crisis and elevated food prices, posing challenges to worship and survival during this holy month.
