Gaza Food Prices Soar As Aid Access Dwindles

UN World Food Programme chief economist Arif Husain said the scale of the food inflation is without precedent. Prices in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir al-Balah reveal flour reaching $305 for 25kg (previously $10), tomatoes selling at $30 per kg (from $0.59), and sugar at $106 per kg (from $0.89). These goods, sourced from looted aid, sparse commercial shipments, and limited local farming, have become inaccessible for most.

Residents like Mohammad Fares describe aid stations as "death traps," citing both Israeli fire and desperate crowd violence. With dozens of pounds lost to starvation, many now ration dry goods like lentils and forgo vegetables altogether.

Economic Collapse Compounds Crisis

The Gaza Chamber of Commerce attributes the wild price swings to border closures and entry restrictions. Flour once soared to $891 per sack during a blockade, dipped during a ceasefire, and rose again as restrictions returned. “We’re not just facing bombs — we’re facing war by hunger and thirst,” said Ayed Abu Ramadan, chair of the chamber and emergency committee.

The crisis has also extended to non-food items. Soap sells for $10 per bar (up from $0.59), diesel for $36 per liter (up from $1.87), and baby formula for $51 (up from $7.43). Hard cash has become scarce, with Gazans exchanging currency through black markets for up to 50% commission, as banks and ATMs remain closed or destroyed.

“There’s suffering built into every aspect of life,” said Fares. “Suffering on top of suffering.”