Growing bread queues in Gaza as Israel restricts fuel, flour imports

"Standing in a long queue under the beating sun, 14-year-old Muhammed al-Roubi was waiting to buy bread. But there was a strong chance that, despite his patience, he would not get any. A flour and fuel shortage in recent weeks, brought on by Israeli restrictions on imports into Gaza, means that bakeries cannot produce as much bread as Palestinians in Gaza need."

"Palestinians, the vast majority of them living displaced as a result of Israel's genocidal war on the territory, are instead forced to wait for hours in queues outside of the few remaining bakeries to get subsidised bread packages. My uncle's family and ours live in the same house, and we share food, so we need a large amount of bread every day, said al-Roubi, who had come to the bakery with his cousin before separating and joining different queues."

"Some days, we return empty-handed because the bread runs out and there are too many people. The growing queues at the few remaining distribution points reflect the current decline in production levels, while demand continues to rise, driving increased prices and the growth of a black market. Ismail al-Thawabta, the head of Gaza's Government Media Office, said last month that the territory needs about 450 tonnes of flour per day, but that only 200 tonnes were coming in."

"Recent shortages stem from Israel's decision to close the crossings into Gaza on February 28, when Israel launched a joint war with the United States on Iran. The crossings partially reopened after a few days, but traffic through them has been limited. Israel ultimately decides how much will be let through, despite last year's ceasefire with Hamas stipulating that Israel must significantly ease the restrictions."

Flour and fuel shortages in Gaza have reduced bakery output, leaving many Palestinians unable to buy bread despite waiting in long queues. Displaced families and others rely on subsidised bread packages distributed through a limited number of remaining bakeries, but bread often runs out before everyone is served. Demand continues to rise while production declines, increasing prices and encouraging a black market. Gaza needs about 450 tonnes of flour per day, but only about 200 tonnes are arriving. Shortages follow Israeli restrictions on imports and limited traffic through crossings, which Israel controls even after partial reopenings. Fuel scarcity further constrains baking operations.

Read at www.aljazeera.com