Gaza, May 19 (V7N) — A deepening shortage of flour and fuel in the Gaza Strip has severely disrupted bread production, leaving thousands of families struggling to access basic food supplies.
According to reports, the Israeli military has imposed restrictions on the import of bread flour and fuel into the region, further worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip.
As bakeries operate far below capacity, long queues have formed outside the remaining functioning facilities. Many residents, including children and displaced families, are forced to wait for hours in extreme conditions, often returning home empty-handed.
Fourteen-year-old Muhammad al-Rubi, a resident of Gaza, described how his family depends heavily on bread shared among extended relatives. “We stand in different lines just to increase our chances,” he said, adding that shortages often leave them without food after waiting for long periods.
Officials from the Gaza government media office say the region requires around 450 tons of flour daily, but only about 200 tons are currently entering, creating a significant supply gap.
Analysts say the crisis intensified after border restrictions tightened earlier this year, limiting the movement of essential goods. Although some supply routes have reopened intermittently, deliveries remain inconsistent and tightly controlled.
A large portion of Gaza’s population depends on bakeries supported by the World Food Programme, which provide subsidized or free bread. However, the agency has reportedly reduced assistance due to dwindling supplies.
Residents like 72-year-old Maisar Abu Rekab say the situation has become increasingly desperate, as many elderly and vulnerable people are no longer able to wait in long queues.
With rising demand and limited supply, the price of bread has increased sharply, further burdening low-income households already affected by ongoing conflict and displacement.
END/SMA/AJ
