Return of goods to markets in Gaza doesn’t mean people can afford them

Gaza City, Gaza Strip, Every day is a struggle for Ghadeer Nassar, who lives with her seven children in a small classroom converted into a home at the Remal Model School. Like many families in the territory, Nassar faces an ongoing battle to provide basic sustenance for her children, ranging in age from nine months to 14 years. While some goods have recently returned to Gaza’s markets following months of shortages caused by Israel's blockade and ongoing conflict, the reality for families like hers remains dire, money is scarce, and the ability to purchase even essentials is increasingly out of reach. Nassar’s husband, who previously relied on temporary work, has found himself without a stable income. His earnings fluctuate wildly, often amounting to just a few shekels per day. In response, Nassar has resorted to drastic measures, including selling her wedding ring and her husband’s phone, to ensure her children are fed. When cash is entirely absent, she turns to bartering, exchanging one kilogram of rice for four kilograms of lentils, a trade that allows her family to stretch their limited resources further. She admits she rarely buys what she wants, focusing instead on what she can afford. In Gaza City, shop owner Maher al-Khudari has observed a marked shift in purchasing behavior since the start of the war. Although more goods are now available in stores, prices remain prohibitively high due to supply chain disruptions and transportation costs. Most residents have depleted their savings and lost their jobs, leaving them unable to afford even the basics. Al-Khudari finds himself caught in a difficult position, as customers request to buy on credit, yet doing so risks his own financial stability. He explains that many people now purchase only minimal amounts of food, such as a few pieces of vegetables, while items like sweets have become rare indulgences. Al-Khudari noted that the crisis extends beyond mere affordability. Many individuals lack the minimum amount of money needed to buy even a loaf of bread. This reflects a broader pattern of economic hardship, with the United Nations reporting continued high levels of food insecurity in Gaza. According to the World Food Programme, although there has been an increase in both commercial and humanitarian supplies in recent weeks, the number of households struggling to access market goods due to unaffordability has also risen. The economic collapse in Gaza is evident in the statistics. The latest UN market data shows that the food consumer price index is 102 percent higher than pre-war levels. Palestinian economic expert Mohammed Abu Jiab highlighted that one of the most pressing issues affecting the Gaza economy is a severe shortage of cash liquidity. This scarcity has exacerbated the already dire conditions, forcing many residents to rely heavily on food aid. Without a clear path to recovery, the situation is unlikely to improve soon. Israel has not permitted large-scale reconstruction efforts, and the Palestinian enclave’s economy continues to stagnate. As a result, the majority of Gaza’s population, many of whom are internally displaced, remains dependent on external assistance for survival. The return of goods to markets does not equate to economic stability, nor does it guarantee that families like Nassar’s will soon find the means to sustain themselves. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the most essential needs are met, even as the broader economic landscape continues to deteriorate.