Prices of basic commodities in Gaza are climbing on a daily basis as the Israeli regime’s restrictions on commercial imports entered their fifth consecutive day. Families already grappling with the severe blockade on the enclave have begun frantically stocking up on available foodstuffs, driven by fears of imminent shortages and an ongoing spiral of inflation.

The cost of essential staples such as flour, eggs, and onions has surged dramatically since Wednesday, when the Israeli regime reportedly halted the entry of commercial goods into the territory. This escalation comes amid a purported dispute over fees involving local Palestinian merchants and Hamas authorities. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have reportedly been plunged into severe poverty since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, with incomes shrinking significantly under the tightened siege.

Local residents report that the economic impact has been immediate and devastating, with everyday items doubling or tripling in price within a span of just a few days. Citizens with limited or no income are forced to buy microscopic quantities of food or skip meals entirely, relying solely on basic rations like rice and lentils. The inability to stockpile goods due to poverty and a lack of reliable electricity leaves vulnerable households entirely exposed to market volatility.

Meanwhile, Gaza's Government Media Office strongly rejected the Israeli regime's justifications for the suspension, denying that local authorities had imposed any official taxes on commercial trucks. Officials asserted that the measures were being weaponized by the Israeli regime to tighten the blockade further. International organizations, including the UN, continue to warn that sustained restrictions will severely exacerbate the catastrophic humanitarian and economic conditions across the enclave.

Source: www.aljazeera.com