A day after Israel began halting all goods and humanitarian invasions into the Gaza Strip, Palestinians are already feeling the impact of drastic measures as prices for essential goods are rising.
“It was a complete shock,” said Iman Saber, a 24-year-old nurse in northern Gaza, about Israel's decision on Sunday to block aid and commercial shipments.
Saber, who already lives in the tent with his father, cancer patient, mother and sisters, said prices for sugar, oil and chicken were rising, and the hopes raised by the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are flat.
“We couldn't wait for the store to reopen and prices to drop. “But now everything is now expensive again.”
The suspension of Israeli fuel-containing goods and aid was intended to pressure Hamas to accept a new proposal to extend the ceasefire. Just hours before the border closure was announced, Israel proposed an extension of seven weeks. Meanwhile, Hamas must release half of the remaining hostages seized on October 7, 2023.
Gazan said the updated aid silence blockade not only was distributed free of charge, but it not only affected the impact on commercial goods and commercial goods and prices, but also commercial goods as well as humanitarian aid. A ban on shipping occurred as many people struggled to observe the holy month of Ramadan, usually the period of fasting and worship.
“We could breathe a little and feel hope again,” Saber said. “But now we feel depressed again,” she said.
The United Nations and several aid groups have issued warnings about Israel's decision to block freight supplies.
“Humanitarian aid is not a negotiable tip to put pressure on the parties,” aid group Oxfam said in a statement, calling Israel's decision “a reckless act of collective punishment, expressly prohibited under international humanitarian law.”
Even doctors without borders declared that “humanitarian aid should not be used as a tool for war.” “During that way, he said in Gaza it would have “devastating consequences.” There, it “creates uncertainty and fear, and causes food prices to skyrocket.”
Tom Fletcher, Secretary-General of Humanitarian Affairs, denounced Israel's actions. “International humanitarian law is clear. We must be granted access to provide important life-saving assistance,” he said on Sunday. Hamas itself condemned Israel's moves as “terrifying mail.”
Israeli officials say the government believes that the aid and goods that have entered Gaza during the ceasefire in recent months mean that there will be sufficient supplies for several more months.
However, in Israel, five nonprofits have filed a motion with the court of justice seeking an interim order prohibiting the government from cutting off the supply of aid to Gaza. Ghisha, the human rights group leading the allegations, argued that, as Israel claims, it is illegal to halt the provision of aid, even if there is already sufficient assistance.
And even if food is available, it may be even more out of reach for many Gazanians.
“A kilogram of sugar yesterday was six shekels, but after Netanyahu said nothing would enter, the price has already risen to ten shekels,” said Amani Aata, a 30-year-old Palestinian from Beit Hanon in northern Gaza.
And it's not just sugar, Aata said in a voice message Sunday. “Everything, everything will be expensive again,” she said.
Abdul Rahmanmohammed, a 35-year-old father of four from Gaza city, said prices for fruit and vegetables are also rising, with tomatoes rising from 8 to 20 shekels.
Mohammed said some traders and merchants intentionally withholded goods from the market to sell at an inflated price, exacerbating Gazan's financial burden.
On Monday, the Gazan Home Ministry urged people to report rising prices in the market and stores, as well as merchants who appear to be trying to favor the situation. A day ago, the ministry said it needed “strict measures against people raising prices.”
Police are also deployed in territories-wide markets “to monitor the availability of basic goods at current prices,” the ministry said.
The suspension of aid came after a dramatic surge in humanitarian supply entering Gaza in the first phase of the ceasefire amid a warning of looming hunger.
As combat was underway, fewer than 100 trucks entered the enclave a day, even their delivery was stopped. The relief agency accused Israel of overly restricting delivery due to strict inspections and closing border crossings. Israel denied these claims.
Ameera Harouda contributed to a report from Doha, Qatar.
