Struggle for flour in Gaza: “We want to survive starvation”

The desperate search for flour in the Gaza Strip encapsulates the deepening humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded over nearly two years.

Its devastating consequences claim more Gazan lives every hour—even every minute—as the Israeli enemy, backed by the U.S., persists in its genocidal campaign of killing, starvation, forced displacement, and total destruction.

Obtaining even a single kilogram of flour has become an arduous mission, where those who escaped death by missiles now face death by hunger.

“The struggle to get just one kilo of flour is exhausting,” said a widow of a martyr, emerging from a crowded flour distribution point.

In a report by Palestine Online, she added, “Hunger is killing our children. It’s devouring the bodies of the young and the old alike.” She continued, “Now, we’re only searching for flour—we just want to survive starvation.”

Every morning, Gazans set out in hopes of finding flour to feed their children, but their efforts often end in disappointment.

Samira Issa, 55, leaves her house in Al-Maghazi refugee camp at dawn, heading to the local market in central Gaza to buy a kilo of flour priced at 60 shekels (about $20) to feed her six children—only to return empty-handed.

A catastrophic famine grips Gaza’s 2.4 million residents due to the siege imposed by the Zionist enemy forces since March 2.

“We risk our lives to bring flour for our families or for others. We have no choice but to search for flour,” said Naji Musleh, a 40-year-old vendor.

Hatem Al-Shobaki, 50, a resident of Al-Nuseirat camp, walks long distances with his neighbors along the coastal road toward northern Gaza, hoping to secure a bag of flour from aid trucks.

With a heavy heart, he says, “For two weeks, there’s been no flour in my house—no food, no medicine, no water, no money. Only hunger and death.”

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has warned of Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis, stating, “Despair has reached its peak,” amid war, siege, forced displacement, and relentless bombardment.

Earlier, over 100 international humanitarian organizations issued a stark warning: “Markets are empty of food, waste piles up, diseases spread, and Gazans collapse in the streets from hunger and dehydration.”