Outside the Zadna Bakery in central Gaza, long lines of people waiting for bread were on the verge of chaos. A security guard was shouting at the crowds to wait their turn, but no one was listening. Close by, scalpers were selling loaves for three times the original price, as the sunset meal breaking Muslims’ Ramadan fast approached. This has been the situation in Gaza again, after the Israel-Hamas cease-fire took hold on January 19, allowing aid to flow for the first time after 15 months of conflict. No aid has entered since March 2, due to Israel’s attempt to pressure Hamas into accepting an extension of the cease-fire stage and releasing more hostages. The aid cutoff and traders’ price gouging are now driving prices to levels that few can afford. As a result, supplies of fresh vegetables and fruits are scarce, forcing people to fall back on canned food. Although canned food provides calories, it is not enough for a healthy diet, especially for children, who require fresh foods to prevent malnutrition. Before the cease-fire, aid workers and traders delivered food for Gazans, many still weak from malnutrition. Medical supplies and fuel also began to flow in. Although there were only small steps towards relieving the devastation, six newborn babies had died from hypothermia in February due to lack of warm clothes, blankets, shelter or medical care. Now, Israel is increasing the pressure by severing electricity supplies to central Gaza and possibly cutting off water. This has led to the shutdown of most operations at a water desalination plant and deprived people in central Gaza of clean drinking water. Israel argues that about 25,000 truckloads of aid have given people sufficient food and denies that there is any shortage of essentials in Gaza. However, supplies that humanitarian groups amassed in the first six weeks of the cease-fire have dwindled, forcing bakeries in Gaza to close and aid groups and community kitchens to reduce the food rations they hand out. Families are struggling to afford the bare minimum of ingredients for iftar, the meal that breaks the daily fast during Ramadan. The situation is dire, and Gazans feel like they are still living in a war even though there is no bombing. The joy of the holy month has been extinguished. Reported by Erika Solomon, Ameera Harouda and Rania Khaled.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/15/world/middleeast/gaza-aid-block.html