Israel's war with Iran triggers fresh Gaza siege, warning of food shortage within a week

Israel sealed every crossing into Gaza without a set date after its strike on Iran, enforcing a blockade that has already raised food costs and endangers two million residents with a fresh famine risk.

More than two years into the conflict, with Israeli troops holding roughly 60 % of the area, the vast majority of Gaza’s provisions must be imported.

Aid agencies that provide meals to most inhabitants report that the stocks they possessed on the Saturday the hostilities started will survive only a handful of days.

“Should the crossings remain shut, World Central Kitchen will exhaust its food reserves this week,” said its founder José Andrés in an online statement.

“We prepare one million hot meals daily and require fresh deliveries each day.”

An international food‑security specialist noted that only a week’s worth of fresh produce remains in Gaza.

Local bakeries serving the most at‑risk residents possess enough flour for roughly ten days of bread, while aid parcels cover about fourteen days.

Israel instituted a full blockade of Gaza last spring, then imposed severe limits on food deliveries, actions that contributed to a famine last summer.

Hundreds lost their lives attempting to reach distribution sites of the newly formed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which operated solely in zones under Israeli control.

When reports of Israel’s strike on Iran circulated, Palestinians recalling past famines and severe scarcity hurried to purchase provisions, driving prices higher.

A 25‑kilogram bag of flour now costs between 80 and 100 shekels, up from roughly 30 shekels a week earlier, while items such as sugar, diapers and cooking oil have seen prices double.

“Our greatest fear is a renewed famine in Gaza, even more than the bombardment,” said Sobhi Al‑Zaaneen, a 50‑year‑old father of seven from northern Gaza.

He chose to purchase additional food despite the expense. “I’m heading to the market now to secure what we need before prices rise further,” he said.

Many Gaza residents lack the means to stockpile, having lost homes and jobs in the conflict and depleting any savings to get by.

“I cannot afford to purchase and store food before prices climb, as some have managed,” said Um Mohammed Hijazi, a 49‑year‑old mother of five whose home was destroyed and who has been displaced five times.

“Fortunately, I have a modest food reserve from aid agencies, which might last a few days if the crossings stay closed,” she added.

Certain staples are scarcer than a week earlier, and Hijazi reported hearing that some merchants have hoarded goods, anticipating profit from additional price hikes.

As the controlling authority in Gaza, Israel bears a legal duty to guarantee adequate food for civilians, a responsibility that remains unchanged by the conflict with Iran, according to Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council.