Gaza Faces Dire Bread Shortages as War Takes its Toll
The war-torn region of Gaza is facing a severe bread shortage, leaving its already suffering population in dire straits. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants has caused widespread destruction, displacing more than half of Gaza’s 1.4 million people. As a result, essential supplies such as food, water, and fuel have become increasingly scarce.
Residents like Masri, who sought shelter in a UN agency-run school, have been struggling to obtain basic necessities. They recount their frustration at waiting for hours in line, only to find that the bread has run out by the time it’s their turn. The situation is exacerbated by the damaged infrastructure and the destruction of around 40 bakeries, leaving the remaining ones overwhelmed by the high demand.
Outside Rafah’s Al-Quds bakery, hundreds of people can be seen queuing up in the hopes of securing bread. Mohammed Qaranawi, who is providing shelter for 25 people, laments the challenges faced by bakeries, including the scarcity of fuel. He describes waiting for hours, only to leave empty-handed. Abdul Nasser al-Ajrami, head of Gaza’s bakery association, adds that 60% of businesses have been forced to shut down due to the lack of resources and the risks faced by bakery workers during the strikes.
Suleiman al-Huli, a bakery owner in Gaza, describes the scenes he witnesses daily as the most extreme in decades. With a hand-operated bakery producing a mere 30 bundles of bread per hour, al-Huli laments his inability to meet the community’s needs. While residents search for bread at different bakeries throughout the day, the situation remains dire as only two out of the 23 bakeries relied upon by the World Food Programme (WFP) are functional. According to the WFP, the Israeli blockade has exacerbated the conditions in Gaza, leading to unimaginably desperate circumstances for the population.
The limited aid convoys that have reached Gaza are seen as woefully inadequate by the UN. Essential supplies such as food, water, and power have been heavily disrupted, with no fuel coming in from neighboring Egypt. The population’s desperation is palpable as thousands gather outside bakeries as early as 5 am, hoping to secure bread for their families. However, the supply can barely cover a fraction of the demand, leaving many empty-handed.
Bakery worker Sami Salman al-Huli shares his concerns about the constant threat of airstrikes, fearing the fate suffered by other bakeries in Gaza City and elsewhere. His worries are shared by his colleagues who, in addition to managing overwhelming demand, also live in constant fear for their lives.
The dire bread shortage in war-torn Gaza is a pressing humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention. As the conflict persists, it is crucial for humanitarian organizations and international bodies to work towards alleviating the suffering of the population and ensuring the availability of essential supplies.
