JERUSALEM — With the blockade of essential supplies to Gaza’s population of over 2 million people, Israel has sent shockwaves through the society, resulting in surging prices and humanitarian groups intensifying efforts to distribute the rapidly depleting resources to those most in need.
The halt in aid has cast a shadow over the efforts made by aid organizations to avert starvation over the past weeks during the initial phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas agreed upon in January.
Over 16 months of conflict have left Gaza’s inhabitants dependent on external aid for survival. Many residents have been displaced and require essential services like food, shelter, and fuel, which are crucial to maintaining health care facilities, water sources, bakeries, and communication systems.
Israel claims the blockades are a tactic to compel Hamas to agree to their conditions on the ceasefire. The progression to the second phase of the agreement with Hamas, which includes continued aid flow, has been postponed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed willingness to escalate measures and hinted at potentially cutting off electricity completely to Gaza unless Hamas relents.
Human rights organizations have criticized the blockade as a “starvation policy.”
**Impact of the Blockade on Gaza**
**Shortage of Vital Supplies**
The World Food Program, the main U.N. food agency, has no significant stores of food in Gaza, having prioritized distribution during the first phase of the ceasefire. Existing food supplies can sustain the population for less than two weeks, according to their statement.
The organization warned it might have to decrease food rations to maximize distribution. Their fuel reserves, which are indispensable for running essential services, will be exhausted in weeks without replenishment.
There’s no significant stockpile of shelters or tents available either, says Shaina Low from the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasizing that the materials delivered in earlier phases fell short of the massive demand.
“If it had been adequate, we wouldn’t have had infants perishing from exposure due to the lack of shelter and necessary medical resources,” Low pointed out, recalling that at least seven infants succumbed to hypothermia in the initial phase.
**Assuring Resource Management**
“Determining and utilizing our remaining stock effectively is essential,” stated Jonathan Crickx of UNICEF. “We haven’t stored supplies, and there isn’t a large stock left to distribute.” He warned of dire consequences if the aid pause continues.
Throughout the first ceasefire phase, nearly 600 aid trucks entered Gaza daily, with agencies setting up food kitchens and enhancing water access. The efforts included approximately 100,000 tents for tens of thousands who found their homes uninhabitable.
Continuous aid flow was fundamental to these advances.
Bushra Khalidi from Oxfam disclosed they’re waiting with trucks carrying vital supplies outside Gaza. “This situation threatens the collapse of life-sustaining systems,” she remarked.
Similarly, the International Organization for Migration has 22,500 tents stalled at Jordanian warehouses due to denied entry, stated Karl Baker, the regional crisis coordinator.
More than six tons of medical supplies are stuck waiting for permission to enter Gaza, with uncertain delivery, according to the International Rescue Committee. Medical Aid for Palestinians also encounters hurdles with its aid shipments at the border, reported spokesperson Tess Pope.
**Rising Prices**
Post-ceasefire, commodity prices, particularly vegetables and flour, are sky-high. Sayed Mohamed al-Dairi witnessed vendors hiking prices at a Gaza marketplace following the cutoff’s announcement.
“Prices double, like sugar; it was 5 shekels this morning, now 10,” he lamented.
Deir Al-Balah sees cigarette prices skyrocketing along with essentials like chicken and cooking gas following October’s Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent severe response, later forming part of genocide allegations in the International Court of Justice. The attack initiated an intense bombing campaign in Gaza, reminiscent of one of modern history’s fierce military actions.
“We dread that a new war, potentially more disastrous, might erupt,” voiced Abeer Obeid from northern Gaza. “To prolong peace, alternative solutions must be sought.”
Gaza Faces Supply Shortages and Price Hikes as Aid Wanes
