In a significant policy shift, the Israeli military has allowed the resumption of food sales to Gaza from Israel and the West Bank, as the ongoing offensive in Rafah disrupts international aid deliveries. This development, confirmed by Palestinian officials, local businessmen, and international aid workers, offers a glimmer of hope amid mounting concerns over a humanitarian crisis.
Israeli authorities granted Gazan traders permission to purchase fresh produce, vegetables, and dairy products, just days after the military action in Rafah began. This offensive has critically impeded the flow of U.N. aid into Gaza, drawing global attention and pressure on Israel to mitigate the looming threat of famine.
Ayed Abu Ramadan, chair of the Gaza Chamber of Commerce, explained that Israeli authorities contacted Gazan distributors to coordinate the pick-up of goods. This move marks the first instance of Israeli or West Bank-produced goods entering Gaza since the conflict’s onset in October last year.
The Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the Israeli military branch responsible for aid transfers, confirmed efforts to increase humanitarian aid and food availability in Gaza. Shimon Freedman, a COGAT spokesperson, highlighted that allowing private sector food deliveries is part of these efforts.
Despite this policy shift, the volume of deliveries via the Kerem Shalom border crossing remains inconsistent. Palestinian officials report that the number of trucks entering Gaza varies daily, from 20 to 150, depending on Israeli allowances. This falls short of the 600 trucks per day that the U.S. Agency for International Development estimates are needed to avert famine.
Prior to the conflict, Gaza received an average of 500 aid and commercial trucks daily. Since the war began, the average has plummeted to below 140 trucks per day, based on Israeli military data compiled by Reuters. This reduction exacerbates the humanitarian situation as Israel continues its operations against Hamas, raising the demand for aid.
The imported food, though crucial, is costly. Aid workers note that commercial deliveries cannot fully replace the international aid that donor countries and organizations provide, which often includes essential non-perishable items. Residents of Gaza report seeing Hebrew-labeled produce in markets, but at prices many cannot afford. For instance, Abed Abu Mustafa from Gaza City mentioned paying $5 for just two eggs, a stark contrast to pre-war prices.
The Israeli military’s offensive in Rafah, initiated on May 7, prompted concerns from international allies and aid agencies about civilian casualties and aid disruptions. A week later, Israeli military officials began coordinating food deliveries with Gazan traders, ensuring all suppliers and goods were vetted.
Wassim Al-Jaabari, head of the West Bank food and industry union, confirmed that all goods entering Gaza are subject to military inspection. On May 22, a COGAT list showed 127 trucks carrying various food items ordered by Gazan distributors. However, no free goods or charitable donations are allowed; only commercial products for sale make it through.
Despite the resumed trade, the distribution of goods remains uneven, with northern Gaza, where famine fears are most severe, receiving fewer supplies. The high transportation costs, due to prolonged inspections and occasional protests by Israelis, further inflate the prices of these essential goods.
Leave feedback about this