Gaza food prices climb as halt to commercial goods enters fifth day

Restrictions on commercial goods entering Gaza had reached a fifth consecutive day as of Oct. 18, after Israel announced on Wednesday that such goods would no longer enter. The halt comes amid a dispute over fees involving Palestinian merchants and Hamas, according to the most recent reporting. Al Jazeera

The goods affected include fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and winter clothing. Israeli authorities said on Oct. 15 that no commercial goods had entered for two days at that point. The halt cut off a key source of food and other critical supplies for the territory. Al Jazeera

Israel attributed the stoppage to a tax dispute between local merchants and Hamas. Hamas denied Israel's claim that a tax dispute was behind the halt. Reuters

In markets in Gaza, prices rose sharply within two to three days of the crossings closing. A carton of eggs went from 35 shekels ($11.34) to between 60 and 70 shekels ($18 to $21). One kilogram of onions rose from five or six shekels ($1.50-$1.80) to between eight and 10 shekels ($2.40-$3), while one kilogram of avocados rose from seven or eight shekels ($2.10-$2.40) to around 15 shekels ($4.50). Al Jazeera

The United Nations said gains against malnutrition in Gaza were fragile amid the halt to commercial supplies. The halt has raised fears of worsening shortages in the territory. Reuters