Food supplies have returned to Gaza’s markets following recent conflict-related disruptions, yet many residents continue to struggle with affordability and access amid ongoing economic hardship. Despite improvements in availability and a reduction in prices, large portions of the population remain unable to secure adequate nutrition due to depleted incomes, rising costs, and damaged livelihoods.
According to recent assessments by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), approximately 59 percent of Gaza’s population—about 1.2 million people—faced crisis-level food insecurity or worse between mid-April and late June. Projections indicate the situation is likely to worsen, with as many as 67 percent, or 1.4 million people, expected to endure severe acute food insecurity through the end of 2026. The IPC cited continued low purchasing power, high prices, and irregular commercial access as key obstacles to improving food security.
Market monitoring by UNICEF in late June confirmed the presence of basic staples—including cereals, legumes, and fresh produce—at accessible outlets, noting a decline in prices for many items. However, a survey of cash-assistance recipients found that 72 percent relied mainly on aid for their livelihoods. Many households have also resorted to borrowing, charity meal programs, and support from relatives to supplement their diets.
Humanitarian organizations report a significant decline in the distribution of cooked meals across Gaza. Data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicated that 698,000 meals were served by 102 kitchens in July, down from 1.5 million meals provided by 165 kitchens in mid-March, underscoring reduced aid capacity amid escalating needs.
Economic analysts emphasize that Gaza’s crisis extends beyond high unemployment rates to a broader collapse of local industry and commerce. Ahmed Abu Qamar, an economist based in Gaza, described a near-total structural breakdown, with construction and industrial output falling by 99 percent and 94 percent respectively. This decline has decimated the middle class, turning former business owners into aid recipients and leaving economic survival focused on daily food procurement.
Personal accounts from Gaza illustrate the harsh economic realities residents face. Adham (a pseudonym), a 25-year-old graphic designer living in Gaza City’s Al-Nasr neighborhood, supports a household of 12 people. After the conflict, Adham has earned sporadic freelance income averaging around $500 a month in the best times, but often less than $50. Interrupted electricity and internet service limit his work opportunities, and irregular payments complicate finances further. Before the conflict, the family earned about 6,000 shekels monthly, but now their income frequently falls below 1,000 shekels. Adham described meals limited to one main daily meal supplemented by coffee, tea, and sometimes dry bread. The family relies heavily on borrowing from neighbors and relatives to manage monthly expenses and essentials.
Similarly, Kareem (also a pseudonym), 23, who works for a nonprofit in Gaza City’s Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, has not received a salary for three months. He supports his mother and siblings in an apartment damaged by fire and looting. With utility costs reaching up to 1,500 shekels monthly and limited electricity restricting refrigeration, the family purchases food in small quantities to manage spoilage risk. Despite holding some savings and aid from a single food parcel, Kareem’s household faces mounting debts, forcing him to sell personal belongings to cover bills. He described persistent struggles to afford even a single meal, highlighting the deepening food insecurity that has replaced previous economic stability.
These accounts reflect a population grappling with both the visible return of goods to store shelves and the less visible economic barriers obstructing their access. While availability has improved since the conflict, widespread poverty and infrastructure challenges continue to restrict many Gazans from meeting basic nutritional needs.