Gaza City, Gaza Strip – For the two million residents of Gaza, finding food has become a daily struggle. Amany Mteir, 52, searches the streets of Gaza City for food, while Aseel Mutair, 21, and her family of four share one pot of soup obtained from an aid kitchen. Nizar Hammad, 30, living in a tent in Rafah with eleven others, worked at a market to buy bags of rice.
As Gaza’s war enters its sixth month, the threat of famine and starvation looms large, as reported by the United Nations. The blockade and bombardment by Israel have severely impacted food imports and agriculture, leaving the entire population dependent on humanitarian aid. Aid operations in the north have been halted due to Israeli restrictions, poor road conditions, and security concerns.
Aseel and Amany, unable to access humanitarian aid convoys, rely on informal street markets for food. The limited availability of food has led vendors to sell remaining stock or humanitarian aid at inflated prices. Barley and corn flour, once used for animal feed, are now sought-after commodities for families struggling to find sustenance.
Despite their dire circumstances, Aseel’s family finds moments of joy when discovering small amounts of rice or flour. Aseel’s family of four, like many others, waits until dinnertime to eat their one meal of the day to aid in sleeping better at night. Families in Gaza are forced to get creative with their meals, turning to unconventional ingredients to feed their loved ones.
In Rafah, aid deliveries have been more consistent but still insufficient for families like Nizar’s. The rising prices at street markets and the inability to access aid have left many families in a precarious situation. Anecdotes from residents paint a stark picture of families banding together to survive, often at the cost of their well-being.
The conditions in Gaza have forced families to adapt, with many resorting to makeshift kitchens and gathering firewood to cook. Amany’s family burns scraps of wood to make tea, while Aseel’s family cooks outside to have access to clean water. These heartbreaking stories highlight the resilience and determination of Gaza’s residents in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Despite the hardships, families in Gaza continue to support each other, sharing meager resources in times of scarcity. The daily struggles for food and basic necessities have taken a toll on the physical and emotional well-being of residents, leading to a sense of despair and exhaustion. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action to prevent further suffering and loss.