Gaza City – As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip face a stark reality: the cost of breaking the daily fast has doubled since the start of the ongoing conflict, now reaching levels many families simply cannot afford. After two years of war and a “ceasefire” reached in October, the economic devastation has transformed the traditionally festive season into a period of profound hardship, marked by soaring food prices and widespread scarcity. The crisis underscores the fragility of life in Gaza and the deepening humanitarian challenges facing its population.
For many, the simple act of securing a loaf of bread has become a daily struggle, eclipsing the customary preparations and communal spirit of Ramadan. An analysis by Al Jazeera, based on official data from the Ministry of Economy in Gaza, reveals the extent of the economic strain. The price of essential commodities has skyrocketed, making a complete iftar meal – the evening meal that breaks the fast – unattainable for the vast majority of families.
Skyrocketing Costs of Basic Goods
The price increases are dramatic across the board. Chicken, a staple of many Palestinian meals, has seen an 80 percent price hike, rising from 14 shekels (approximately $4.49) per kilogram to 25 shekels ($8.01) per kilogram. Frozen fish has nearly tripled in price, jumping 190 percent from 8 shekels ($2.56) to 23 shekels ($7.37) per kilo. Frozen red meat has increased by 75 percent, moving from 23 shekels ($7.37) to 40 shekels ($12.82) per kilo. Even eggs, a relatively inexpensive source of protein, have become significantly more expensive, with a tray of 30 now costing 35 shekels ($11.22) compared to 13 shekels ($4.17) before the war – a 170 percent increase.
Vegetables, a cornerstone of the Palestinian diet, have also experienced substantial price surges. Tomatoes have doubled in price, while cucumbers have tripled, rising from 3 shekels ($0.96) per kilo to 12 shekels ($3.85). The cost of cheese, crucial for the suhoor meal – eaten before dawn to prepare for the day’s fast – has increased by as much as 110 percent.
The Financial Burden on Families
According to estimates based on data from the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the cost of a basic iftar meal for a family of six – including two chickens, rice, salad, appetizers, a soft drink, cooking gas, and oil – has risen to approximately 150 shekels ($48). This represents a 90 percent increase from the pre-war cost of 79 shekels ($25.32). The cost of suhoor, a simpler meal of cheese, hummus, falafel, and bread, has also increased, now costing 31.5 shekels ($10.10) compared to 18.6 shekels ($5.96) previously.
Combined, the daily cost of feeding a medium-sized family now stands at 181.5 shekels ($58.17), an 88 percent jump from pre-war levels. This financial strain is occurring against a backdrop of widespread economic collapse.
Economic Collapse and Unemployment
A United Nations report released in late 2025 revealed a dramatic decline in per capita income in Gaza, plummeting to $161 (503 shekels) in 2024, down from $1,250 (3,900 shekels) in 2022. The labor market has essentially vanished, with Sami al-Amsi, head of the General Federation of Palestinian Trade Unions, reporting in October that unemployment had surpassed 95 percent due to the destruction of workshops, farmland, and fishing fleets. “The worker is no longer looking for a job because there is no work at all,” al-Amsi stated. “Today, the Palestinian worker is looking for a food parcel to survive.”
Restrictions and Market Manipulation
Economic researcher Ahmed Abu Qamar attributes the soaring prices to Israel’s restrictive entry policies and the imposition of “coordination fees” on trucks entering Gaza. He explained that while the humanitarian protocol stipulates the entry of 600 trucks daily, Israel typically allows only 200 to 250 trucks, far short of the 1,000 trucks needed to meet minimum demand. Abu Qamar also highlighted a monopolistic system where only approximately 10 merchants are authorized to import goods through four Israeli companies, limiting competition and artificially inflating prices. He advocates for a return to a free market system and the full opening of crossings to alleviate the burden on the population.
The situation in Gaza remains dire as Ramadan begins. The combination of economic hardship, restricted access to essential goods, and a shattered labor market presents an unprecedented challenge for families striving to observe their faith during this holy month. The coming weeks will be critical as aid organizations and international bodies work to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and provide support to those most in need.
The next key development to watch will be the outcome of the upcoming meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, as reported by Al Jazeera, and whether it will lead to any tangible improvements in the flow of aid and easing of restrictions on Gaza.
If you’d like to learn more about the situation in Gaza or find ways to support humanitarian efforts, please consider visiting the websites of organizations like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) or the World Food Programme. Share this story to help raise awareness of the challenges faced by Palestinians this Ramadan.
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