Gaza markets face severe food shortages and price hikes

Markets in the Gaza Strip, including the Nuseirat refugee camp, are experiencing acute shortages of essential goods such as vegetables, fruits, and eggs. Despite the reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing, the volume of incoming supplies remains insufficient to meet local demand. Current imports are largely limited to specific items like clothing, footwear, charcoal, and canned or frozen foods, leaving fresh produce largely absent from stalls.

The scarcity is compounded by a decline in local agricultural production and ongoing restrictions on imports that require Israeli coordination. This supply deficit has led to sharp price increases, placing significant economic strain on Palestinian families.

Food security concerns are intensifying as humanitarian aid also faces challenges. Reports indicate that the World Food Programme has reduced its daily hot meal provision from 250,000 to 150,000 meals due to funding shortages and supply issues, further widening the gap for families reliant on international assistance.