Gaza:The Gaza Strip is facing a critical shortage of flour, with the head of the Gaza Strip's Bakers Association, Abdul Nasser al-Ajrami, warning that the seven remaining operational bakeries could shut down within the next 48 hours if new flour supplies are not allowed into the region.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, al-Ajrami explained that the depletion of flour stocks in Gaza's warehouses has resulted from Israel's closure of Gaza's crossings over the past week. Despite the partial reopening of the crossings, Israel has refused to allow commercial flour into the Strip. This has forced several bakeries to cease operations, leaving only seven of the original 20 bakeries still functioning.
Al-Ajrami highlighted that the current flour available in local markets is supplied by the World Food Programme (WFP). In contrast, commercial bakeries, dependent on flour brought through the crossings, have ceased operations. He cautioned that if commercial flour continues to be blocked, all bakeries will eventually close, halting bread supply to Gaza's residents.
This flour crisis coincides with the WFP's recent decision to reduce assistance to over half a million people in Gaza due to a severe funding shortage. The reduction has heightened demand for flour and driven up prices. The situation is exacerbated by the closure of crossings into the Gaza Strip throughout October, which has intensified the humanitarian and economic crisis by restricting the entry of food, vegetables, fuel, and aid. Meanwhile, the Rafah land crossing remains closed, preventing the evacuation of sick and wounded Palestinians.