Prices in Gaza plummet after changes to aid distribution mechanism – report

Humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip has been plagued by chronic failures, with Hamas stealing and looting shipments, large quantities of supplies left sitting unused at border crossings, and the UN failing to collect and distribute them.

In response, Israel has expanded efforts to bypass these bottlenecks by coordinating international airlifts of aid and advancing new mechanisms, such as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which aim to deliver assistance more directly to civilians.

A new exclusive report from The Jerusalem Post revealed a dramatic shift on the ground: the prices of basic goods in Gaza have plunged in recent weeks.

The report listed several examples of basic goods that have become significantly cheaper since Israel and the United States introduced measures to prevent the theft and resale of aid by Hamas.

“A kilogram of flour, which cost between NIS 80-100 about three weeks ago, is now priced at NIS 18,” the report stated.

“A kilogram of sugar, which costs NIS 300, now costs NIS 50. A kilogram of pasta dropped from NIS 100 to NIS 10. A kilogram of rice, which was NIS 120 three weeks ago, now sells for NIS 30. Oil, lentils, and hummus, which previously went for NIS 90 per kilogram/liter, have now dropped to NIS 30, NIS 20, and NIS 10, respectively.”

Indicating that the data “originates from the Israeli security establishment,” the JPost added that this information has been “corroborated by international organizations and aid groups operating in the area.”

The report comes amid global pressure on Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, and accusations that Israel is intentionally starving Gazans.

In late July, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of rising malnutrition in Gaza, blaming Israel for the “deliberate blocking and delay” of humanitarian aid.

The WHO also said that 63 “malnutrition-related deaths” occurred in July, and that “over 5,000 children under five have already been admitted for outpatient treatment of malnutrition,” during the first half of July.

While a UN spokeswoman in Gaza confirmed “there has been a slight improvement” in recent days, the UN and other international organizations say that it is not yet enough to remedy the situation.

Last week, more than 100 aid organizations signed a joint statement that called for Israel to “end the weaponization of aid.”

Israel responded that the “alleged delay in aid entry…occurs only when organizations choose not to meet the basic security requirements intended to prevent Hamas’ involvement.”