(This post is addressed to non-Palestinians who may not have a clear understanding of what is currently happening in the Gaza Strip, particularly with regard to the worsening famine crisis).
Through this explanation, I aim to shed light on the causes of this humanitarian catastrophe based on on-the-ground realities and verified information.
What is Gaza like?
The Gaza Strip is a narrow coastal territory covering only about 365 square kilometers. It is home to more than 2.3 million people, making it one of the most densely populated places in the world. Before the war, Gaza depended almost entirely on imported food, mainly through the Kerem Shalom commercial crossing controlled by Israel, and the Rafah crossing with Egypt. However, after the Israeli ground invasion of Rafah in May 2024, the last gateway to the outside world was shut down, leaving Gaza completely cut off from food sources.
Why don’t people rely on fishing?
Although Gaza has a coastline stretching around 40 kilometers along the Mediterranean Sea, fishing is virtually impossible. Israeli forces strictly limit fishing zones and frequently open fire on fishermen who exceed narrow boundaries. During the war, the vast majority of fishing boats were destroyed, rendering the sea — once a vital source of food — unusable.
So where does food come from?
Since the start of the war, Israel has become the sole provider of food into Gaza via crossings it fully controls. Some humanitarian aid shipments are allowed in through international organizations. A partial ceasefire began on January 19, 2025, allowing hundreds of aid trucks to enter Gaza. However, that arrangement quickly collapsed, and Israel once again sealed all crossings. For over two months now, not a single food truck has entered Gaza.
What has this done to markets and prices?
This blockade has led to a total collapse of the food security system. 100% of bakeries have stopped operating due to the lack of fuel and flour. A single 25kg bag of flour — which is supposed to be distributed for free — now costs over $230 on the black market. Most people survive on canned food, when available, and other extremely limited items that barely keep them alive.
What about meat and animal products?
Gaza’s livestock sector was weak even before the war. But with widespread bombing and the total halt of veterinary and animal feed supplies, it has been wiped out. Livestock is no longer allowed into Gaza, making meat — whether red or poultry — practically nonexistent. The majority of people in Gaza haven’t had meat for many months.
Why don’t Gazans grow their own vegetables?
Israel has declared all border areas — which include Gaza’s most fertile farmland — as buffer zones off-limits to civilians. Many farmers have been killed simply for approaching their lands. Moreover, water supplies have been cut off across much of Gaza. As a result, home gardening is nearly impossible. Over 90% of Gazans do not have access to sufficient drinking water, so how can vegetables be grown?
Why don’t people store food in advance?
Food storage requires money to buy in bulk — a luxury most Gazans cannot afford. Even if they could, there is no electricity to power fridges or freezers, as Israel cut off power to Gaza back in October 2023. Constant forced displacement — with more than 1.9 million people forced to flee their homes — also means that families can’t remain in one place long enough to store food.
What’s the result?
Famine in Gaza is now a daily reality. Emaciated children suffering from severe malnutrition are no longer rare sights. According to UN reports in April 2025, more than 1.2 million people in Gaza — over half the population — are facing acute hunger, while 30% are experiencing “catastrophic food insecurity,” the highest level of hunger recognized globally.
Abdallah Sharsharah
02/05/2025
