In Gaza, families are facing a dire cooking crisis as firewood shortages lead to the burning of plastic and other toxic materials. Hosni Al-Danaf, after a meager meal of dry rice, discovered an unusual taste in his tea—his wife had been using plastic bags to boil water due to the scarcity of firewood.

With Israel's blockade cutting off cooking gas supplies since March 2, firewood has become a necessity, but its soaring prices—up to 4 shekels per kilogram—are unaffordable for many. Umm Ahmad Al-Shanti, a mother of eight, shares that her family needs at least 12 shekels a day just to prepare basic meals.

Desperation is pushing families to dangerous alternatives. Umm Ismail Hamouda explains how her children now collect small amounts of wood mixed with plastic, despite the health risks. In refugee camps, residents like Umm Hassan Al-Masari endure toxic smoke from makeshift fires, with many having no other means to cook.

The search for firewood has even turned deadly, with some venturing into unsafe areas at risk of being targeted. Hassan Al-Kahlout, a local firewood seller, notes that the shortage is directly tied to the lack of humanitarian aid, with families struggling to afford even minimal supplies.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the urgent need for international intervention to restore essential supplies becomes increasingly clear. Without action, thousands of families in Gaza face a bleak future, caught between hunger and toxic fumes.

In Gaza, families are facing a dire cooking crisis as firewood shortages lead to the burning of plastic and other toxic materials. Hosni Al-Danaf, after a meager meal of dry rice, discovered an unusual taste in his tea—his wife had been using plastic bags to boil water due to the scarcity of firewood.

With Israel's blockade cutting off cooking gas supplies since March 2, firewood has become a necessity, but its soaring prices—up to 4 shekels per kilogram—are unaffordable for many. Umm Ahmad Al-Shanti, a mother of eight, shares that her family needs at least 12 shekels a day just to prepare basic meals.

Desperation is pushing families to dangerous alternatives. Umm Ismail Hamouda explains how her children now collect small amounts of wood mixed with plastic, despite the health risks. In refugee camps, residents like Umm Hassan Al-Masari endure toxic smoke from makeshift fires, with many having no other means to cook.

The search for firewood has even turned deadly, with some venturing into unsafe areas at risk of being targeted. Hassan Al-Kahlout, a local firewood seller, notes that the shortage is directly tied to the lack of humanitarian aid, with families struggling to afford even minimal supplies.

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the urgent need for international intervention to restore essential supplies becomes increasingly clear. Without action, thousands of families in Gaza face a bleak future, caught between hunger and toxic fumes.