Gaza is bracing for another hunger crisis after Israel sealed all crossings into the strip when it launched strikes on Iran, choking off the lifeline for 2 million people. With Israeli forces controlling roughly 60% of the territory after more than two years of war, almost every scrap of food must be imported. Aid agencies warn the clock is already ticking.

Aid Groups Sound the Alarm

Humanitarian stocks are measured in days, not weeks. Community bakeries have flour for about 10 days. Fresh food supplies could run dry within a week, according to one international food security expert. “If [the borders] stay closed, World Central Kitchen will run out of food this week,” said José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen. “We are cooking 1m hot meals every day. We need food deliveries every single day.”

Panic Buying Sends Prices Soaring

As news of the Iran strikes spread, markets across Gaza surged with desperate shoppers. A 25kg sack of flour has tripled in price to between 80 and 100 shekels in days. Sugar, cooking oil and nappies have doubled.

“The return of famine is what we fear most, even more than the shelling,” said Sobhi Al-Zaaneen, a father of seven racing to stockpile supplies before prices climb further.

Many cannot. “I don’t have enough money to buy and store food,” said Um Mohammed Hijazi, displaced five times and surviving on a few days’ worth of aid parcels.

Legal Pressure Mounts on Israel

Israel’s aid authority Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat) said closures were imposed for security reasons but insisted existing stockpiles would “suffice for a while”. No figures were provided.

Under international law, Israel remains responsible for ensuring food reaches civilians in territory it occupies, said Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council. “Even amid a widening regional war, international humanitarian law still requires Israel to facilitate relief.”

Memories of Famine Haunt Gaza

Last year’s siege and restrictions pushed Gaza into famine, with hundreds killed trying to reach distribution points run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in Israeli-controlled zones.

Traders are already accused of hoarding. Markets are thin. There is no strategic reserve.

“We learned our lesson from the first time,” said Alaa Abu Rakba, a meat seller turned emergency stockpiler. “I would rather the shelling return than see the crossings closed again. I will not watch my children starve.”

'We'll run out of food this week': Israel's Iran war brings new Gaza siege

The new Riviera?

So far from reality , so near to Israel !