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Humanitarian aid

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Skyrocketing Prices and Growing Desperation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis, with the prices of essential goods skyrocketing to unaffordable levels. Despite efforts to distribute aid, the chaos and violence surrounding the distribution process have convinced many Palestinians to give up on accessing humanitarian aid, leaving them to buy expensive goods from markets. The prices of basic goods, such as sugar, flour, and tomatoes, have increased by over 1,000% since the war began, making them inaccessible to many.

Key Takeaways:

  • The prices of basic goods in Gaza have increased by over 1,000% since the war began, with sugar now costing $106 per kilogram, flour at $12 per kilogram, and tomatoes at $30 per kilogram.
  • The data was collected by staff members of the Gaza Governorate Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who conducted surveys at markets in Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis.
  • The surveys found that the prices of nonfood items, such as a bar of soap and a pack of 40 diapers, have also been extraordinarily high, with diesel costing $36 per liter and 400 grams of baby formula at $51.
  • Buying essential goods from markets is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many Palestinians, leading to growing desperation and hardship.
  • The instability in the supply of goods has caused drastic price fluctuations, with the price of flour reaching $891 for a 25-kilogram sack on July 20 and dipping to $223 on Sunday.
  • The chairman of the Gaza Governorate Chamber of Commerce, Ayed Abu Ramadan, stated that prices rise and fall as restrictions on the entry of goods are tightened or loosened, highlighting the impact of the blockade on the prices of goods.
  • The absence of hard cash is also a significant challenge, with many Palestinians resorting to buying Israeli currency on the black market for exorbitant commissions, exacerbating the sufferings of the population.

Statistics:

  • The price of sugar has increased from 89 cents to $106 per kilogram.
  • The price of flour has increased from 42 cents to $12 per kilogram.
  • The price of tomatoes has increased from 59 cents to $30 per kilogram.
  • Diesel costs $36 per liter, compared to $1.87 before the war.
  • 40 diapers can be bought for about $149, compared to $8.61 before the war.
  • 400 grams of baby formula costs $51, compared to $7.43 before the war.

Sources:

  • Gaza Governorate Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  • The New York Times (Safer Alghorra)

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