Hunger grows in Gaza as bakeries shut due to Israeli blockade

Sharjah 24 – AFP: The return of hunger is threatening Gaza residents as bakeries are forced to shut down due to the suffocating Israeli blockade, which has blocked essential aid from entering the area ravaged by war nearly 20 months ago.

Impact on bakeries

At the "Family Bakery" in Gaza City, the conveyor belt that typically produces thousands of loaves of bread each day has come to a halt. This bakery is one of 25 industrial bakeries supported by the United Nations World Food Programme, which announced its closure due to a "shortage of flour and fuel."

Resumption of the blockade

On March 2, Israel reimposed a comprehensive blockade on the Gaza Strip, halting the entry of international aid that had resumed following a ceasefire. This blockade also cut off electricity to the main desalination plant, worsening the humanitarian situation.

Renewed hostilities

On March 18, the Israeli military resumed its bombing and airstrikes, accompanied by ground incursions into Gaza. In response, Palestinian fighters began firing rockets at Israel from the enclave, escalating tensions in the region.