Food prices soar as Israel blocks aid into Gaza: UN
Israel’s move to prevent all aid from entering the Gaza Strip has had an immediate impact, including a 100-fold increase in the price of flour and vegetables. UN aid coordination office, OCHA said on Monday that the Kerem Shalom, Erez and Zikim crossing closures mean that vital humanitarian assistance, including thousands of tents, can’t be delivered to civilians in need.
Phase one of the ceasefire mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the US expired on Saturday, with Hamas calling on Israel to move on to the next agreed phase – but Israel is calling instead for a continuation of phase one through the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan in line with a proposal from the top US envoy to the region.
January’s ceasefire deal has seen the release of 33 Israeli hostages who’ve been held in Gaza since the 7 October attacks, with around 1,900 Palestinians freed in exchange.
“The ceasefire has provided the opportunity to distribute food, to distribute water, as well as shelter assistance and medical aid, allowing nearly everyone in Gaza to receive food parcels,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.
“Our humanitarian partners tell us that following the closure of the crossings into Gaza yesterday, flour and vegetable prices increased more than 100-fold. Partners are currently assessing the stocks that are currently available,” he added.
Last month, across Gaza, more than 100 public schools have reopened, allowing around 100,000 students back into the classroom.
The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, warned that the stoppage of aid deliveries into Gaza will quickly lead to devastating consequences for children and families who are simply struggling to survive.
“The aid restrictions announced yesterday will severely compromise lifesaving operations for civilians,” said Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East. “It is imperative that the ceasefire – a critical lifeline for children – remains in place, and that aid is allowed to flow freely so we can continue to scale up the humanitarian response.”
The agency said that between 19 January and last Friday, almost 1,000 UNICEF trucks had crossed into the enclave carrying clean water, medical supplies, vaccines, therapeutic food and other materials.
Since the start of the ceasefire on 19 January, UNICEF and partners have provided warm clothing to 150,000 children in Gaza and increased daily water distribution for nearly half a million people living in more remote areas, Mr. Dujarric said.
