By Micah Jonah
March 11, 2026
Residents of the Gaza Strip are facing rapidly rising food prices as border closures, regional conflict continue to disrupt the supply of essential goods into the territory.
Local markets have reported sharp increases in the cost of basic food items, with traders and residents saying shortages are beginning to emerge across several communities.
According to aid agencies, most food, fuel, medicine and commercial goods entering Gaza depend on crossings through Israel and Egypt. When those crossings operate at limited capacity or close entirely, markets and humanitarian services quickly feel the impact.
The World Health Organization said only about 200 aid trucks have been entering Gaza daily, far below the estimated 600 trucks needed to adequately supply the population.
Humanitarian organizations report that prices for fresh produce have risen sharply in recent weeks. Items such as tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes have become significantly more expensive, placing additional pressure on families already struggling with reduced incomes due to the prolonged conflict.
Some traders say essential products such as flour, cooking oil and canned foods have also become scarce in parts of Gaza City as demand rises and supply routes remain constrained.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has warned that the closure of border crossings is affecting both food and non-food supplies, creating broader humanitarian challenges.
Aid agencies also report that fuel shortages are forcing hospitals and humanitarian services to ration resources, affecting waste collection, water production and some healthcare operations.
The World Food Programme said earlier improvements in food availability during the ceasefire period could quickly reverse if humanitarian access is not restored, maintained.
With aid deliveries still limited and markets under pressure. Many families in Gaza are purchasing whatever food they can afford while supplies remain available, fearing that shortages could worsen in the coming days.
