Gaza food prices soar amid Israeli aid block as US talks with Hamas
- The US confirmed it held direct talks with Hamas for the first time since 1997, as mediators push to extend Gaza ceasefire to its second phase.
- The World Food Programme says it only has enough food supplies in Gaza to keep public kitchens and bakeries open for less than two weeks.
‘We are exhausted, we cannot keep living like this’
Prices for food and other items have skyrocketed in Gaza, leaving many unable to afford to shop for basic necessities, which also remain in low supply.
“Prices are extremely high,” Um Muhammad told Al Jazeera while at a food market in Khan Younis. “When we go to the market, we can’t afford to buy anything because everything is too expensive.”
“This situation needs to change. We are exhausted, and we cannot keep living like this,” she added. “A solution must be found, and I hope it comes soon.”
Israel’s most recent closure of border crossings, in particular, has had an overnight impact.
“In just one day, prices doubled, and now they have tripled and even quadrupled,” Muhammad Abu Hamad told Al Jazeera. “Fish, meat, and all types of poultry are completely missing from the market. As for vegetables, their prices have skyrocketed to three times what they were before.”
The prices have shocked people in Gaza, Abu Hamad added, “especially given the already low incomes – or the complete lack of income in many cases. People simply do not have money.”
White House press secretary confirms US-Hamas talks
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed that the Trump administration has been engaged in talks with Hamas.
Speaking at a news briefing, Leavitt said that “the special envoy who’s engaged in those negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone.”
Leavitt added that Israel was consulted on the matter and that President Trump believes in “dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people”.
“These are ongoing talks and discussions, I’m not going to detail them here, there are American lives at stake.”
‘There is simply nothing’: Food is scarce in Gaza amid Israel’s block on aid
Palestinians in Gaza told Al Jazeera that Israel’s latest blockade of the flow of humanitarian aid has caused severe food shortages and high prices at a time when the entirety of the territory’s population is facing enormous needs — and as many are fasting during the day for the holy month of Ramadan.
“There was already a shortage of goods even before the closures, and this has only made the situation worse, increasing the suffering of the people,” said Fathi Abu al-Ula, in Khan Younis.
“Prices have skyrocketed, rising to three or even four times what they were—especially for vegetables and essential food supplies. This is particularly true for baby food and other child-related products.”
Abu al-Ula added that prices have risen in response to the high demand. “This is especially critical during this holy month, when people rely on shopping for essential food items, particularly vegetables, to observe Ramadan, prepare for religious gatherings, and host family events,” he said.
“Families need food for their children, the elderly, and the sick — many of whom have already been suffering from malnutrition for a long time.”
Radwan Ahmed, also in Khan Younis, said that there was no chicken, meat or soda to be found at the market.
“There is absolutely nothing,” he said. “We started fasting three days ago, so imagine what the situation will be like after a week of fasting. There is nothing, and aid is not reaching the poor and those in need. There is simply nothing.”
