Bakeries in Gaza Shut Down Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
In an alarming development, all bakeries in Gaza have closed their doors, a direct consequence of the ongoing humanitarian blockade that has crippled the inflow of essential goods. According to local authorities, this dire situation is largely attributed to Israel’s month-long blockade, which has severely restricted access to both fuel and flour, the lifeblood of any bakery.
A Crippling Food Shortage
“The occupation has forced all bakeries to shut down entirely, exacerbating the famine crisis that threatens the lives of innocent civilians,” stated the Hamas-controlled Government Media Office in Gaza. This sentiment echoes the fears expressed by many, as children, patients, and the elderly bear the brunt of this crisis.
With bakeries closing, the spread of famine is an ever-looming threat, warned Abdel Nasser Al-Ajrami, the head of the local Bakery Owners’ Association. The repercussions of these closures are already being felt, with the United Nations’ World Food Programme (WFP) confirming that all 25 of its bakeries in the region are now non-operational.
"The hot meals we provide will last only two weeks," explained Abeer Etefa, a communications officer for the WFP. "We will distribute our last food parcels in the next two days." As the countdown begins, the reality of food scarcity is hitting hard for families across Gaza.
Desperation in the Streets
Reports from the streets paint a gloomy picture. One father shared his anguish, stating that his children are feeling nauseated and exhausted due to a lack of food. “I went to every bakery,” sighed Abdul Rahman Fattayeh. “Every time we ask, they say there’s no flour due to the closure of the crossings. The Israelis control the crossings. We don’t know where to go.”
Such stories are becoming all too common. Ibrahim al-Kurd described his plight, revealing, “I have 40 family members, and I’ve been searching for bread for them since 8 a.m., going around all the bakeries in Deir al-Balah. None are operating. There’s no flour, no firewood, nothing. Not even water. It’s dire.”
Rising Tensions and Humanitarian Aid Blockage
The Israeli government’s decision to halt the supply of food and humanitarian aid in early March came as part of a strategy to pressure Hamas into action concerning hostages. Yet, this blockade has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. According to the head of the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees, no aid has entered Gaza for over three weeks, marking the longest period without supplies since the conflict escalated.
“During the ceasefire, 500–600 trucks arrived daily. Now, nothing,” lamented Philippe Lazzarini, the UNRWA Commissioner-General. The closure of bakeries is affecting hundreds of thousands of people who rely on them for sustenance. Amjad Al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network, classified this blockade as the worst humanitarian crisis since the conflict reignited.
The Urgency for Action
"The coming days will be very critical for the lives and health of Palestinians in Gaza," warned Al-Shawa, emphasizing the need for urgent international pressure on Israel to reopen the crossings. The health and well-being of vulnerable populations—particularly children, women, and the elderly—hang in the balance as the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
CNN has reached out to COGAT, the Israeli agency responsible for facilitating aid to Gaza, for a response regarding these claims.
As this crisis unfolds, the world watches closely, and the question remains: will the international community act swiftly to alleviate the suffering of those caught in this dire situation? The coming weeks will be crucial for the people of Gaza as they navigate the challenges of a growing food crisis with little support in sight.
For more insights into the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza, follow the updates from reputable sources like CNN and the World Food Programme.
