Eid without toys: Israeli restrictions drive up prices in Gaza
Al Jazeera • • world
Key Points:
- The ongoing war and Israeli restrictions on imports have caused a severe shortage of toys in Gaza, leading to exorbitant price increases that many families cannot afford, especially during the Eid holiday.
- Parents like Rania al-Saudi are unable to buy toys or new clothes for their children due to the high costs, resulting in disappointment and deprivation of traditional holiday joys for Gaza’s children.
- Toy sellers report that scarcity and high import costs have driven prices up by as much as 300%, with most toys entering Gaza through unofficial, risky routes, making business difficult and emotionally taxing.
- The Israeli blockade and closure of commercial crossings have heavily restricted the entry of non-essential goods, including toys, despite no official ban, prioritizing humanitarian aid
