A local source in Gaza has reported that five out of six bakeries in the City and the northern regions have ceased operations due to Israel’s blockade on the entry of fuel and essential raw materials required for bread production.
This severe restriction has sparked concerns of a potential famine in these areas as the bread crisis escalates.
According to the source, only one bakery remains operational and is at risk of shutting down within a week if the current restrictions continue.
“The Israeli side’s ongoing prevention of raw material and fuel imports could halt the last operating bakery,” the source added.
The crisis deepened as fuel deliveries to the strip’s bakeries have been halted for the past 10 days. Additionally, the entry of basic supplies such as flour, sugar, and yeast has been significantly reduced for about a month, leading to the suspension of bakery operations.
“We may have to reduce the operating days of the sole remaining bakery before it completely stops functioning,” the source explained.
The remaining operational bakery, which is the largest in Gaza, comprises four production lines and plays a crucial role in meeting the bread needs of a large number of residents in the city and the northern sector.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported on Sunday that at least 41,206 Palestinians have been killed and 95,337 others injured in the Israeli military campaign that commenced on October 7.
The figures underline the severe human cost of the conflict, as the region faces unprecedented levels of violence and destruction.
The latest report comes amid ongoing military operations by Israel, which began following a significant escalation in hostilities.
The conflict has resulted in widespread devastation across the region, with numerous civilian casualties and substantial damage to infrastructure.
This escalation follows years of intermittent violence and heightened tensions in the region. The current military campaign is part of a broader and long-standing conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups.