Gaza's Internet Blackout Fuels Soaring Food Prices Amidst Conflict

Gaza's Internet Blackout Exposes Economic Hardship and Risks: Flour Prices Soar Amidst Conflict Gaza Strip, Palestine – A three-day internet blackout imposed by the Israeli occupation has left residents struggling to access essential services. The blackout significantly impacts the ability of Gazans to conduct online financial transactions, a crucial aspect of daily life in the region. The price of flour, a staple food, has skyrocketed to an unprecedented $600 per bag, a twentyfold increase from its normal cost. "I was looking for a bag of flour to buy, and I found a bag that costs like 1200 shekels," said a Gazan resident featured in a recent video documenting the situation. "To get that cash, I need to withdraw my money from the bank, but there are no banks here." The video, shot by journalist Sahat, captures the desperation and risks Gazans are taking to maintain some semblance of normalcy. The visuals show people venturing out at night, under the threat of ongoing conflict, to find ways to make essential purchases. Al Jazeera correspondent Hani Mahmoud, also featured in the video, highlights the soaring flour prices, stating, "It's 20 times the real price. Everything is 10 times now. So we're talking about at least $600 worth of a bag of flour." The situation underscores the devastating impact of the internet blackout and the ongoing conflict on the daily lives of ordinary Gazans. The high price of flour and the dangerous measures people are taking to obtain it serve as a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.