Gaza Crisis: A mainstay in Indian homes, Parle-G biscuits were never meant to be a luxury. They are linked to childhood, tea breaks, and affordable nutrition. However, they are being sold for almost 500 times their original price in war-torn Gaza, where a lack of food has resulted in severe hunger.

A man from Gaza recently shared a widely shared article claiming that Parle G biscuits, which are produced by Parle Products, a company based in Mumbai, are selling for more than 24 euros (Rs 2,342). The price of the biscuits, which have continuously been among the least expensive items in the Indian market, perplexed many people on social media.

In the viral post, it is written, “After a long wait, I finally got Ravif her favorite biscuits today. Even though the price jumped from 1.5 euros to over 24 euros, I just couldn’t deny Rafif her favorite treat.”

A Hunger Factory:
Israel’s military operation, which started immediately after the October 2023 escalation, has steadily decreased Gaza’s access to food. This year, the beleaguered Palestinian enclave was under a near-complete embargo from March 2 to May 19. Only a few aid vehicles were permitted entry, and most of them only after strong international pressure.

Also Read: Breakthrough in Gaza? Hamas Accepts Key US Conditions

Israel has halted regular UN food delivery, accusing Hamas, the political and terrorist organization in Gaza, of stealing and turning donations into weapons. On May 27, however, a contentious and much criticized substitute was unveiled: the Secure Distribution Site 1 (SDS1) model, created by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which the French daily Le Monde claims is a collaborative effort supported by the United States, Switzerland, and Israel.

The Rafah-based SDS1 has guarded perimeters operated by Safe Reach Solutions, a US-based private security company that has been accused of conducting intelligence operations in Gaza using Israeli data, and caged passageways that force Palestinians into short lines.

Black Market Reality:
Even Parle-G, an export from a nation almost 4,300 kilometers distant, has exorbitant prices. “The issue isn’t with the original suppliers or taxation,” Gaza City-based physician Dr. Khaled Alshawwa, 31, told the media. “These items typically arrive in Gaza for free as humanitarian relief. However, they are only given to a small minority. They become expensive items on the underground market due to scarcity. Mr. Alshawwa claimed that the Parle-G biscuit packet he was able to obtain cost him about Rs 240. Depending on the seller, different places have varied prices.

Also Read: Muhammad Sinwar, Hamas Gaza Chief, Killed by Israeli Army

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