Gaza Market Prices Revealed Amid Aid Influx and Conflicting Claims

Despite Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas's accusations of Israeli "genocide" and "starvation" policies against Gazans, recent reports suggest a complex reality in the Gaza Strip's markets. While a European Union report from September 21st placed Gaza among regions with severe food insecurity, it also noted a decrease in the number of people facing extreme hunger, partly due to improved security and humanitarian access. This contrasts with claims of deliberate starvation.

Data compiled by Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) indicates a significant drop in market prices in Gaza. By late August, prices for food and other goods had fallen by approximately 83% from their peak, with COGAT reporting Gaza was "flooded with food." Since the ceasefire, over 2.2 million tons of food have entered the Strip, alongside the operation of community kitchens and bakeries, leading to increased market variety. COGAT also cited the head of Gaza's Bakers' Union refuting claims of flour shortages, noting that over 30 tons of food, including cheese and frozen chicken, were destroyed in early September due to spoilage or lack of use.

Independent monitoring of Gaza's markets by social media user Jackie Feig, known as Imshin, has documented specific prices. In early September, a kilogram of mangoes was priced at 5 shekels, and two kilograms of grapes at 15 shekels. Later that month, a 330ml can of Coca-Cola or Sprite was sold for 3 shekels, and other sodas for 2 shekels. A 400-gram container of milk powder cost 13 shekels, and 240 grams of za'atar was 7 shekels. A "picnic box" meal from a Gaza City restaurant, including a cheeseburger, chicken roll, fries, coleslaw, and sauces, was priced at 28 shekels.

Comparisons with Israeli market prices show some items in Gaza are cheaper. For instance, mangoes sold for 5 shekels in Gaza versus 7.90 to 11.90 shekels in Israel. Coca-Cola cans were 3 shekels in Gaza compared to around 4.90 shekels in Israel. A carton of 30 eggs was 30 shekels in Gaza, similar to Israel's price of 31.50 to 32.83 shekels. Chicken prices in Gaza were around 16 to 20 shekels per kilogram, nearing Israel's prices of 24.90 to 34.90 shekels. However, meat prices remain high in Gaza, with lamb costing 140 shekels per kilogram and chilled veal 75 shekels.

Flour prices saw a peculiar surge in mid-September, increasing by 35% to an average of 63-75 shekels per 25kg sack, according to the UN. The UN suggested this rise might be due to reduced aid distribution, commercial supply disruptions, or a combination. Jackie Feig suggested that some humanitarian aid flour was entering the market and being sold. Conversely, tomatoes were priced at 10 shekels per kilogram, jumping to 15-17 shekels after border crossing closures, significantly higher than Israeli prices of 2.90 to 6.90 shekels.

Cooking gas remains a challenge, with official supplies limited despite daily truck entries. Black market prices can reach about 100 shekels per kilogram. Electronics, like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, are considerably more expensive in Gaza, priced at 12,800 shekels compared to approximately 4,180 to 4,600 shekels in Israel, nearly tripling the cost. This price disparity is attributed to limited import quantities and higher transportation costs. Additionally, Hamas reportedly imposes a 15% to 30% tax on goods entering Gaza, further impacting final consumer prices.