Ramadan in Gaza: Cost of iftar doubles as genocidal war devastates economy
Al Jazeera
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ramadan in Gaza has become a stark reminder of the economic devastation caused by Israel’s ongoing siege and restrictions on essential supplies. The cost of a basic iftar meal has nearly doubled over the past two years, with prices for key staples like chicken, fish, eggs, and vegetables skyrocketing due to limited access to goods. This surge in expenses comes amid a humanitarian crisis, as families struggle to afford even the most modest meals during the holy month traditionally marked by feasting and family gatherings.
The war’s impact on Gaza’s economy has been catastrophic. Unemployment rates exceed 95%, and per capita income has plummeted from $1,250 in 2022 to just $161 in 2024. Essential goods are heavily restricted, with only a fraction of the necessary supplies allowed into the territory each day. This bottleneck has fueled inflation, with prices for some items increasing by as much as 75% or more. For example, chicken prices have jumped from 14 to 25 shekels per kilogram, and eggs now cost nearly three times their pre-war price.
The economic crisis extends beyond food insecurity, leaving many families unable to afford even the most basic necessities. A meal that once cost 79 shekels for a family of six now costs over 150 shekels—a 90% increase. This financial burden has replaced the festive spirit of Ramadan with daily struggles to secure enough food to survive. The situation is compounded by Israel’s restrictive policies, which limit the number of trucks carrying goods into Gaza and create monopolies favoring a small group of merchants.
This economic obliteration matters globally because it highlights the long-term human cost of conflict and blockades.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/23/2026