Oct 18, V7N- Israel's halt of commercial food imports into Gaza, which began on October 11, 2023, has significantly reduced the flow of goods to the region, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. According to traders and humanitarian sources, Israel's concerns over Hamas potentially profiting from the imports prompted this decision. Before this, a system managed by Cogat allowed Gaza-based traders to bring in food from Israel and the West Bank, but that system is now non-responsive.

As a result, the volume of shipments entering Gaza has fallen drastically, with a daily average of just 29 trucks in October compared to 175 trucks earlier this year. This sharp decline has worsened food shortages, especially of fresh produce, and driven up prices to unaffordable levels for many Gazans. Humanitarian aid, which is now the main source of food for Gaza's 2.3 million people, is also facing challenges, including delays and obstacles linked to Israel's military operations and new customs regulations.

The situation has triggered warnings of famine, with international pressure mounting on Israel to ensure that sufficient aid reaches Gaza. The United Nations and aid organizations are struggling to maintain supplies, and efforts to negotiate a more stable flow of goods are ongoing.

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