Southern Gaza bakeries reopen after limited flour delivery
Several bakeries supported by the World Food Programme (WFP) resumed operations on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in southern Gaza, following the entry of limited amounts of flour amid worsening famine caused by the ongoing "Israeli" war and strict blockade.
Ahmed Al-Banna, the owner of one of the bakeries in southern Gaza, said, “Flour entered Gaza on Wednesday evening, and we immediately began working due to the famine we are living through.”
He explained that his bakery had been closed for more than two months due to a lack of flour caused by the blockade.
Banna noted that only bakeries in the south of the Strip have resumed work, while those in northern Gaza remain closed due to the continued lack of flour. He did not specify the number of bakeries that had resumed operations. He added that bread distribution would take place through the World Food Programme (WFP).
These bakeries had previously sold bread at symbolic prices not exceeding 2 shekels (JD 0.39) for a bundle weighing 2kg and containing around 23 to 24 medium-sized loaves, at a time when markets are suffering from severe shortages and soaring prices.
The bakeries had also helped alleviate the humanitarian suffering of displaced people who lost their homes and belongings since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, and have since fallen into poverty, according to data from the Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA).
During a field visit, a WFP representative present at one of the bakeries stated, “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. What we need is uninterrupted aid delivery, along with international support and advocacy to open the crossings and ensure food reaches those who need it most.”
The UN official stressed that achieving this requires cooperation from the international community, civil institutions in Gaza, and both local and international NGOs.
On April 6, the WFP announced the closure of all 25 bakeries it supports in Gaza due to the depletion of fuel and flour amid increasing Israeli restrictions and the prevention of humanitarian aid from entering.
In a later statement, the organization said it had exhausted its last stockpile of food to support hot meal kitchens by April 25, further worsening the growing humanitarian crisis in the Strip.
On Wednesday, the Gaza Government Media Office announced the entry of 87 aid trucks allocated to several international and local organizations—marking the first entry in 81 days since Israel's full closure of the crossings.
In an earlier statement, the office said that the Gaza Strip requires at least 500 humanitarian, medical, and food aid trucks daily, in addition to 50 fuel trucks, as a minimum to save lives. This comes amid ongoing blockade policies and the starvation of nearly 2.4 million Palestinians since March 2, which has pushed Gaza into a famine stage that has already caused civilian deaths.
