Gaza economy faces survival crisis amid trade and import restrictions

The Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Gaza held a dialogue titled “In Gaza, an Economy Struggles to Survive” to address the severe economic and humanitarian crisis facing the territory. The meeting brought together local private sector representatives and officials from several international organizations, including the World Food Programme, UNDP, UNOPS, FAO, Anera, and the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.

Discussions focused on the urgent measures required to preserve remaining economic capacity and establish a foundation for future recovery. Participants reviewed the impact of restrictions on trade, the movement of goods, production inputs, spare parts, and fuel. A fact sheet presented during the meeting highlighted rising prices, declining economic activity, and a restrictive import mechanism that limits supply to a very small number of traders, which reduces competition and increases costs for businesses and consumers.