'Palestinians pay three times more for essential goods'

For Palestinians in Gaza, survival comes at an unbearable cost, with prices tripling due to Israeli-imposed restrictions on essential goods.

Limited electricity, scarce medical supplies and a controlled food supply leave residents with no choice but to pay inflated prices for necessities. Even their own land is shrinking, as Israel enforces harsh territorial limitations, restricting movement by land and sea.

SHAH ALAM – The cost of living in Gaza has surged, with prices often tripling.

Despite living on their own land, Palestinians face severe restrictions as Israeli authorities continue to impose bans and reduce their territory.

Freedom remains elusive, with ongoing limitations affecting daily life.

Universiti Malaya lecturer Dr Muhammad Al-Aqad described that prices in Gaza are exorbitant due to Israeli restrictions on essential goods.

“Life was never easy. We lived in Gaza with only a few hours of electricity each day.

“Medical supplies are scarce, and many essential medicines cannot be found in pharmacies because Israel blocks their entry.

“Most medical devices and hospital equipment are also banned from import. Why? Because Israel prohibits them,” he said during The Palestinian Diaries podcast session aired recently.

Al-Aqad added that many Palestinians born outside Gaza were not allowed to return, making life increasingly difficult for families separated by these restrictions.

He added that essential products and spare parts must be sourced at high costs due to import restrictions.

“There are no new cars in Gaza. If someone wants to buy a vehicle or construction materials to build a house, the price will be three times higher,” he added.

According to Al-Aqad, Palestinians must import goods through the West Bank, requiring passage through Israeli-controlled checkpoints, significantly increasing costs.

“If an item costs 5,000, it ends up at 15,000. The actual price is less than 5,000, but because it goes through Israeli checkpoints, the cost triples,” he said.

He also stated that many Israeli surplus goods, including food products, were sent to Gaza, forcing Palestinians to purchase them due to a lack of alternatives.

“We have no choice. We must buy from them, and it is not free. We are forced to accept what they send, as imports from Egypt are not allowed,” he said.

On the issue of maritime access, he revealed that Palestinian fishermen were restricted to a two-kilometre range despite Gaza’s coastline being their rightful territory.

“If they go beyond two kilometres, Israeli snipers will shoot them. Hundreds of Palestinian fishermen have been killed at sea,” he said.

Within their own land, Palestinians continue to face reductions in territory and movement restrictions.

“And you want us to stay calm and silent? For what?” he asked.