‘Israel’s’ war on Iran deepens Gaza humanitarian crisis

“Israel” closed all crossings into Gaza indefinitely following its attack on Iran, imposing a renewed siege that has already driven up food prices and threatens to push approximately 2 million Palestinians into a new hunger crisis.

After more than two years of war, and with Israeli forces controlling around 60% of the territory, Gaza depends almost entirely on external food supplies.

Humanitarian organizations providing assistance across the Strip warned that existing stockpiles may only last days. Supplies available when the war with Iran began on Saturday are rapidly dwindling.

“If [the borders] stay closed, World Central Kitchen will run out of food this week,” said the organization’s founder, José Andrés, in a social media post.

“We are cooking 1m hot meals every day. We need food deliveries every single day.”

An international food security expert indicated that fresh food supplies in Gaza may last only one week under current conditions.

Aid supplies near depletion
Community bakeries serving the most vulnerable residents reportedly have enough flour for approximately 10 days. Aid parcels are expected to last around two weeks.

Last spring, “Israel” imposed a total siege on Gaza, followed by severe restrictions on food shipments. These measures contributed to famine conditions during the summer.

Hundreds of Palestinians were also killed while attempting to access food distribution points operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which functioned exclusively in Israeli-controlled areas.

Panic buying and price surges
News of the aggression on Iran triggered widespread concern across Gaza, where memories of famine remain acute. Residents rushed to purchase essential goods, causing sharp price increases.

The price of a 25kg sack of flour has tripled, rising from about 30 shekels last week to between 80 and 100 shekels. Other essential goods, including sugar, nappies, and cooking oil, have doubled in price.

“The return of famine to Gaza is what we fear most, even more than the shelling,” said Sobhi al-Zaaneen, a father of seven originally from northern Gaza.

He added that he was attempting to secure additional supplies before prices increase further.

However, many families lack the financial means to stockpile food after prolonged displacement, destruction of homes, and loss of livelihoods.

“I don’t have enough money to buy and store food before prices increase, as some others have done,” said Um Mohammed Hijazi, a mother of five whose home was destroyed during the war and who has been displaced five times.

“Thank God, I have a small food supply from aid we received from relief organisations, which may be enough for a few days if the crossings remain closed.”

Some residents reported that certain traders have withheld goods in anticipation of further price hikes.

Legal obligations and international law
As the occupying power in Gaza, “Israel” bears legal responsibility under international law to ensure adequate food supplies for civilians. That obligation is not suspended by the war with Iran, according to Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

“Community kitchens are already closing, and prices for basic goods have started to rise,” he wrote on X.

“Even amid a widening regional war, international humanitarian law still requires Israel to facilitate relief for civilians under its control.”
Conflicting claims over available stock
COGAT, the Israeli authority overseeing aid and commercial flows into Gaza, stated that shipments were halted for security reasons amid the war with Iran. Late Monday, it announced that the Karem Abu Salem crossing would reopen on Tuesday to allow the gradual entry of humanitarian aid.

The Israeli authorities maintained that sufficient food remains inside Gaza but declined to provide supporting data, stating that existing stockpiles are expected to suffice “for a while.”

Structural shortages and market instability
Palestinian officials and international humanitarian organizations have warned for months that essential goods remain scarce despite the ceasefire. In December, UN-backed experts reported that nearly four in five Palestinians in Gaza were facing acute food insecurity.

Bahaa al-Amawi, secretary of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of North Gaza, said there is no strategic stockpile in place.

“Since the beginning of the ceasefire, there has been no strategic stockpile, and we are unable to establish one under the current conditions,” he said.

“This means that as soon as a closure is announced, it triggers a psychological crisis for many citizens due to their previous experience with famine, alongside a real commercial crisis caused by the absence of stock reserves. The market reacts quickly.”

Families brace for another hunger crisis
Alaa Abu Rakba, 43, who supports his wife and four children by selling meat from a kiosk outside his tent after their home was destroyed, said his business was immediately affected by the closure.

Citing that they have “learned their lesson” from the first time, he moved quickly to purchase flour, sugar, and oil.