The ongoing blockade of Gaza has brought the territory to the brink of catastrophe, with flour shortages forcing the closure of bakeries across the region. Amjad Al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian Network of Civil Organizations, strongly condemned the closure of the crossings, which he argued has exacerbated an already dire situation, contributing to the ongoing food crisis and economic collapse.

Al-Shawa highlighted that bakeries in both northern and southern Gaza have been forced to shut down due to the lack of flour and fuel. The situation is particularly alarming as bakeries supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), which have long been a lifeline for Gaza’s residents, ceased operations this week. According to Abdul Nasser Al-Ajrami, head of the Bakery Owners Association, around 50 bakeries have already closed, with only 18 remaining operational. However, these are expected to shut down soon if the blockade continues, as they are running out of essential supplies such as cooking gas and diesel.

The closure of these bakeries is not only an economic blow but a direct threat to the survival of Gaza’s population. Bread has long been the primary food source for many families in Gaza, and its absence has left thousands vulnerable to starvation. The WFP has described the current conditions as catastrophic, warning that without immediate intervention, the humanitarian situation will worsen dramatically.

The international community has been urged to take swift action to ensure the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, particularly as cold weather and poor health conditions compound the suffering. The WFP has called on Israeli authorities to allow access for aid teams to reach the most vulnerable, stressing that the blockade and restrictions on supplies are making daily life in Gaza increasingly unbearable.

As Gaza faces this unprecedented crisis, the question remains: how much longer can its people endure before the international community is forced to act?