The ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict has created a dire humanitarian crisis, marked by severe food scarcity and soaring prices for basic commodities. An NDTV exclusive report has shed light on the exorbitant cost of essential items in the war-torn region, revealing that a packet of Parle-G biscuits, which typically sells for around Rs 5 in India, is now being sold for as much as Rs 2,400 in Gaza.
Parle-G biscuits, a staple in Indian households and a symbol of affordable nutrition, were never intended to be a luxury item. However, in Gaza, where the population is grappling with acute famine, these biscuits have become a rare and expensive treat.
The NDTV report highlights a viral social media post from Gaza, where a father named Mohammed Jawad shared his experience of buying Parle-G for his daughter, Ravif. He mentioned that the price of the biscuits had jumped from 1.5 euros to over 24 euros (approximately Rs 2,342), but he couldn't deny his daughter her favorite snack.
The revelation of this price hike has shocked many, particularly in India, where Parle-G is known for being one of the most affordable food items available. The exorbitant pricing is not limited to Parle-G biscuits alone. A list sourced by NDTV from Gaza reveals that other basic commodities and groceries are also being sold at incredibly inflated prices. A doctor from Gaza explained to NDTV that the high prices are not due to manufacturers or taxes but due to scarcity and limited accessibility caused by the ongoing blockades on aid distribution. Essential supplies are not meeting the needs of 2 million people.
The crisis has been further exacerbated by restrictions on aid entering Gaza. Following a ceasefire that ended in March, Israel imposed an 11-week blockade on aid, which has only been partially lifted. While Israel insists on vetting all incoming aid and accuses Hamas of diverting supplies, these restrictions have severely hampered the flow of essential goods to the population.
The United Nations has reported a dramatic increase in acute malnutrition among young children in Gaza. A recent analysis found that 5.8% of nearly 50,000 children under five showed signs of acute malnutrition, nearly triple the rate recorded in February during a temporary lull in fighting.
The situation in Gaza is further complicated by the emergence of a black market, where essential goods are sold at exorbitant prices. The limited supplies that manage to enter Gaza often end up in the hands of a few vendors who capitalize on the scarcity, selling items at prices that are unreachable for most Gazans. A surgeon from Gaza told NDTV that closure of borders has resulted in food being sold at unaffordable prices.
The NDTV report underscores the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance and a more efficient aid distribution system to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza. The exorbitant price of a simple packet of Parle-G biscuits serves as a stark reminder of the dire conditions and the desperate measures people are forced to take to secure basic necessities for their families.
