**Gaza Food Aid Runs Short as Israel Blocks Entry**
Food costs in Gaza have risen sharply and aid food parcels are running low after Israel blocked their entry. This decision was made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Hamas of stealing supplies.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the block could lead to at least 80 kitchens running out of stock. They also said that remaining food parcels will support around 500,000 people.
**Residents Struggle with High Prices**
Basic goods have doubled in price since Sunday night, according to a resident from Khan Younis. Other residents reported that prices had already increased significantly before this latest surge.
For example, the price of a kilogram of tomatoes rose overnight from 10 shekels to 1, and the price of a kilogram of cucumbers jumped from 6 to 17 shekels.
**Condemnation from International Community**
The decision has been strongly condemned by the international community. Doctors Without Borders stated that the news created uncertainty and fear, causing food prices to spike.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry called the decision a “clear violation of the ceasefire accord” and “international human rights law”. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of using hunger as a “weapon against the Palestinians”.
**Aid Organizations Prepare for Shortage**
Charity Medical Aid for Palestinians said that it did not have a large amount of aid in reserve, and that there is no stock to be used during a long Gaza closure.
The charity added that most items were intended for immediate distribution, leaving them unprepared for a prolonged shortage.
