Gaza Faces Dual Crisis: Renewed Israeli Fire and Deepening Cash Shortage

Journalist Muadh Al-Amour reported ongoing Israeli gunfire from army positions across Gaza since dawn, with casualties, including critical head injuries, reaching Gaza City hospitals. Recent strikes have concentrated on Beit Lahia and the Jabalia refugee camp in the north, with fire now extending to areas housing displaced civilians.

Al-Amour also described a pattern of Israeli targeting of individuals in Gaza's financial sector, including a merchant, a financial official, and a money changer twice. He suggested this indicates a strategy to increase financial pressure on the Strip, exacerbating an existing liquidity crisis.

This financial pressure is compounded by reports of frozen and closed bank accounts at Bank of Palestine, with customers reporting restricted access to their funds. Businesses are shifting to bank transfers and digital wallets, further marginalizing those without access to these services or smartphones.

Displaced Gazans, numbering over 1.5 million according to Al-Amour, are particularly affected as many rely on cash for daily necessities. The Gaza police issued a statement on September 26 urging continued use of paper currency and warning against violations.

A UN report highlights the worsening liquidity crisis due to disrupted movement and increased reliance on informal cash activities. Al-Amour stated that restricted access to cash, bank accounts, and digital wallets, combined with ongoing gunfire, creates a complex crisis for the displaced, impacting both their safety and ability to secure daily needs.