Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza
Gaza, Jun 8: Eid al-Adha dawned over ruins in Gaza, where prayers were held not in mosques, but in the debris of homes and schools. As the war rages on with no ceasefire in sight, traditional festive customs have vanished, replaced by widespread hunger and desperation.
A grim picture of daily life emerged as reports surfaced about the skyrocketing cost of basic food items. A single packet of Parle-G biscuits is allegedly being sold for over 24 euros (around Rs 2,400), sparking outrage and going viral online. Ground reports confirm that most essentials have become unaffordable to the besieged population.
An NDTV report listed shocking prices of everyday staples in Gaza markets (1 Israeli Shekel = Rs 24.57):
• Cooking oil (1L): Rs 4,177
• Sugar (1kg): Rs 4,914
• Onions (1kg): Rs 4,423
• Coffee (1 cup): Rs 4,423
• Goat meat (1 box): Rs 4,914
• Tomatoes and Okra (1kg): Rs 1,106 each
• Flour (1kg): Rs 1,474
• Potatoes (1kg): Rs 1,966
Amid the humanitarian crisis, Israel maintains that Hamas is hijacking aid. ‘Hamas looted 80% of all aid trucks in the first year and a half,’ Israeli embassy spokesperson Guy Nir told NDTV, alleging that the group sells supplies to civilians at exorbitant prices, thereby controlling Gaza's economy and population.
In the north, the Israeli military has warned of intensified operations following rocket attacks. Four Israeli soldiers were killed in Khan Younis this week after explosives detonated inside a Hamas compound.
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warns that nearly 500,000 people in Gaza could face catastrophic food insecurity just one step below famine by September.
Despite claims by Israel that sufficient food aid was sent reportedly delivering over 3,500 calories per person per day ground realities in Gaza paint a bleak and starving landscape.