In war-torn Gaza, a packet of Parle-G biscuits has become a luxury item, symbolizing the desperation of a population on the brink of famine. A viral social media post by Mohammed Jawad, a Palestinian living in Gaza, showed his daughter clutching a pack of Parle-G biscuits, which he bought for €24 (approximately Rs 2,342), a staggering price considering it costs less than Rs 5 in Indian markets and around Rs 100 in international grocery stores. The post highlighted the acute food crisis in Gaza, where even basic goods are sold at exorbitant prices due to the ongoing humanitarian disaster.
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated since the breakdown of a ceasefire in March, with Israel imposing a near-total blockade on aid entering the Palestinian enclave. This has led to a sharp surge in malnutrition rates, especially among children, and has devastated local supply chains. According to a UN report, the rate of acute malnutrition in children under five in Gaza has nearly tripled since February, with 5.8% of children screened in late May diagnosed with acute malnutrition.
The UN-backed “nutrition cluster” also noted a spike in cases of severe acute malnutrition, a deadly condition that leaves children extremely vulnerable to infections. Treatment centers in northern Gaza and Rafah have been forced to shut down due to lack of medical supplies, damage from the ongoing conflict, or targeted attacks. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that doctors in Gaza are now donating their own blood to treat patients, following incidents where dozens of civilians were gunned down while trying to access food aid.
Palestinian officials reported at least 29 starvation-related deaths, mostly among children and the elderly, in just a few days last month. The situation has sparked criticism of Israel’s restrictions on aid, with many arguing that it is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The incident has also highlighted the need for effective aid distribution mechanisms to ensure that essential goods reach those in need. The viral post has sparked a wave of sympathy and outrage, with many Indian users tagging government officials and the Parle company for help, and calling for increased aid and support for the people of Gaza.