Gaza faces severe food crisis as bakeries close and WFP cuts aid

Gaza food crisis World Food Programme flour shortage bakery closures humanitarian aid

The Gaza Strip is experiencing an escalating food and bread crisis characterized by widespread bakery closures and surging prices. Reports indicate that flour shortages have forced at least 10 of the 17 major bakeries to shut down, leaving residents to queue for hours at the remaining facilities. The price of a 25-kilogram bag of flour has reportedly risen from approximately USD 8 to roughly USD 65, while the cost of 20 loaves of bread has increased significantly.

This shortage coincides with a reduction in international humanitarian aid. The World Food Programme (WFP) announced it would cut food assistance, resulting in approximately 500,000 beneficiaries being removed from its service lists. Additionally, a source reported that the WFP has given its teams a 30-day deadline to close all its warehouses in the Gaza Strip, though the specific reasons for this decision remain unclear.

In response to the shortage, an Egyptian committee has begun increasing flour supplies to support bakeries and mitigate the bread crisis. This effort includes daily shipments intended to help restart operations and support displaced families. Meanwhile, local authorities have warned that the lack of essential supplies, including flour and fuel, threatens the food security of hundreds of thousands of people, particularly children, the elderly, and those living in displacement camps.

Entities

Egypt · Gaza Strip · Ministry of Social Development · Palestinian Information Center · World Central Kitchen · World Food Programme

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The World Food Programme is reducing food assistance, affecting approximately 500,000 beneficiaries. palps.net · wtnfm.com
[DISPUTED] Egypt is increasing flour supplies to Gaza to support bakeries and address the bread crisis. wtnfm.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The World Food Programme has given its teams a 30-day deadline to close all its warehouses in the Gaza Strip. palps.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] At least 10 of Gaza's 17 bakeries have closed due to flour shortages. www.siasat.com
[DISPUTED] The Gaza Strip Bakery Association reported that flour warehouses are completely out of order. alkhabaralyemeni.net
[○ 1 SOURCE] The price of a 25-kilogram bag of flour has risen from approximately USD 8 to about USD 65. www.siasat.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The cost of 20 loaves of bread has increased to between 10 and 18 shekels in some areas. www.siasat.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry of Social Development in Gaza warned of an imminent humanitarian disaster due to bakery closures. qudsnet.com