Gaza families fear food shortages as Israel halts commercial shipments

Prices of basic foods in Gaza have risen since Israel halted the entry of commercial goods on Wednesday amid a dispute over fees involving Palestinian merchants and Hamas. After five days of restrictions, families are stocking up for fear of shortages and further increases, while those unable to buy in bulk are especially exposed. Ismail al-Barawi, 52, from Jabalia, said a carton of eggs had climbed from 35 shekels to 60–70, onions from 5–6 to 8–10 shekels per kilogram, and avocados from 7–8 to about 15 shekels per kilogram.