In a tragic turn of events, all bakeries in Gaza have shut down, exacerbating the already dire food crisis. This closure is a direct result of the ongoing blockade imposed by Israel, now nearing its one-month mark. With fuel and flour supplies running out, this significant development has put the lives of thousands of Palestinian civilians at risk.
The Hamas-controlled Government Media Office in Gaza confirmed the full closure of bakeries on Tuesday, stating that this action has intensified the famine crisis in Gaza, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and patients.
According to local sources, this shutdown is set to accelerate the spread of hunger and malnutrition across the region. Abdel Nasser Al-Ajrami, the head of the Bakery Owners’ Association, warned that the lack of basic food supplies could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
The Immediate Impact: Bakeries Close as Supplies Dwindle
The closure of bakeries is a significant blow to the daily life of Palestinians in Gaza. Bread is a staple food in the region, and its sudden scarcity has left families scrambling to find alternatives. The World Food Programme (WFP), which operates 25 bakeries in Gaza, confirmed that all of these locations are now closed due to a severe shortage of flour and fuel.
WFP’s Abeer Etefa emphasized that the agency’s remaining food supplies will last only for two more weeks, with the last of their food parcels being distributed in the next two days. This shortage is compounded by the fact that Gaza has been cut off from essential humanitarian aid for more than three weeks. The blockade, which began in early March 2025, has intensified the struggle for basic necessities, and the situation is quickly becoming unsustainable.
The Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The stories emerging from Gaza paint a horrifying picture of the situation on the ground. Abdul Rahman Fattayeh, a father of several children, described the heartbreaking experience of searching for food across Gaza’s bakeries. “I went to every bakery. Every time we ask, they say there’s no flour. The Israelis control the crossings. We don’t know where to go,” Fattayeh explained.
For many in Gaza, this is the daily reality. Ibrahim al-Kurd, another local resident, shared his struggles to feed his extended family of 40 people. “I’ve been searching for bread since 8 a.m. None of the bakeries in Deir al-Balah are operating. There’s no flour, no firewood, nothing. Not even water. It’s dire,” he said.
The Larger Context: Israel’s Blockade and the WFP’s Role
The Israeli government’s blockade has effectively closed off Gaza from the outside world, blocking food and humanitarian aid from entering. This move was intended to pressure Hamas to release more hostages and agree to new ceasefire conditions. However, the consequences for ordinary civilians in Gaza have been catastrophic.
Before the blockade, Gaza’s residents received daily shipments of aid, with between 500 to 600 trucks arriving every day during the ceasefire. These trucks carried food, medical supplies, and other essentials. However, as Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), pointed out, the current blockade marks the longest period without aid since the war began.
The World Food Programme (WFP), a key player in providing food security to the region, is now warning that supply levels are critically low, with only a few days’ worth of food left. This highlights the urgency of reopening Gaza’s crossings to allow aid to flow back in and prevent an even greater humanitarian disaster.
A Broader Humanitarian Catastrophe
The closure of bakeries and the near exhaustion of food supplies are just one aspect of the larger humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Amjad Al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network, warned that the situation is becoming increasingly critical. “The closure of bakeries will impact hundreds of thousands of people who rely on them for food,” he said.
He further emphasized that the situation is particularly dangerous for children, women, and the elderly, who are the most vulnerable to the impacts of food scarcity and malnutrition. “The coming days will be very critical for the lives and health of the Palestinians in Gaza,” Al-Shawa added, urging the international community to pressure Israel into reopening the crossings and allowing essential aid to flow back into the region.
What Can Be Done to Address the Crisis?
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community faces increasing pressure to intervene. Governments and humanitarian organizations around the world must step up efforts to address the food crisis and support those affected by the ongoing conflict. The following measures could help mitigate the immediate impact of the crisis:
-
Reopen Gaza’s crossings to allow the delivery of food and humanitarian aid.
-
Increase pressure on international bodies to ensure a steady flow of supplies into Gaza, including medical and food supplies.
-
Provide additional financial support to organisations like the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNRWA to enable them to distribute much-needed aid.
-
Raise global awareness about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and advocate for immediate action to prevent further suffering.
Conclusion: A Race Against Time
The closure of Gaza’s bakeries and the impending food shortage represent the worst humanitarian crisis the region has faced since the conflict began. With food supplies running out and humanitarian aid still blocked, the situation in Gaza is growing more desperate by the hour.
As the World Food Programme and local organisations work tirelessly to provide aid, it is crucial for the international community to push for an end to the blockade and for immediate relief to be delivered to those in desperate need. Time is running out, and the window of opportunity to avert a full-blown famine crisis is quickly closing.
The stories of ordinary Palestinians, like Abdul Rahman Fattayeh and Ibrahim al-Kurd, serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of this ongoing conflict. It is up to us all to demand action, stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza, and ensure that help arrives before it’s too late.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
Photo credit: Anadolu Ajansi
