The Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the Gaza Strip announced yesterday, Sunday, the collapse of the Strip's economic system and a 527% increase in prices due to the blockade imposed by the Israeli occupation and the prevention of the entry of goods and aid.

The chambers said in a statement read by A'ed Abu Ramadan, head of the Gaza Chamber of Commerce and Industry, during a press conference that the Gaza Strip is experiencing catastrophic humanitarian and economic conditions, with the complete closure of the crossings continuing for the 59th consecutive day, with no signs of a quick resolution.

She added that this deliberate closure has deprived more than two million people of essential relief aid, leading to severe shortages of food, medicine, and fuel, amid an unprecedented deterioration in health and living conditions across the Strip.

The statement noted that this comes in parallel with the continued complete ban on private sector trucks entering the country, which has led to a near-total paralysis of economic activity, halted import and export operations, disrupted supply chains, and led to unprecedented increases in the prices of basic commodities.

The Chamber of Commerce emphasized that what is happening in Gaza today is deliberate starvation and thirst being used as a weapon against civilians en masse.

He explained that the Israeli blockade has had catastrophic and unprecedented repercussions on all aspects of life in the Gaza Strip, causing a near-total paralysis of commercial activity and the disruption of import and export operations, leading to the depletion of basic commodities and a sharp rise in the prices of those that remain. According to studies conducted by the Gaza Chamber of Commerce, the price index for basic commodities had risen by 527% last week compared to what it was before the closure, which began in October 2023.

Consequently, according to the statement, the living conditions have reached a critical stage, with unemployment rates rising to more than 85%, poverty rates exceeding 90%, and a complete lack of any source of income that would guarantee a minimum standard of living.

The Chambers of Commerce called on the international community and humanitarian organizations to take immediate and serious action to halt the war and end this unjust siege, and not simply issue supportive statements, despite their importance.

It also called for the immediate and permanent opening of all crossings to the movement of goods and individuals, without conditions or restrictions, and for ensuring the flow of goods and humanitarian and economic needs within a clear and transparent mechanism for relief organizations and the Palestinian private sector.

The Chambers of Commerce reiterated their categorical rejection of the mechanism by which private sector trucks were previously introduced, as they were subject to monopoly and extortion by unofficial entities seeking to make financial gains at the expense of citizens and merchants by imposing illegal and exaggerated fees. The Chambers emphasized that these unethical practices contribute to deepening the crisis and increasing the burden on citizens.

It also affirmed its complete rejection of the aid distribution mechanism proposed by the Israeli occupation, some details of which have been leaked, which calls for the Israeli army or private companies affiliated with it to militarize aid distribution to specific geographic areas and discriminate between beneficiaries. It reiterated its confidence in the United Nations' mechanisms for distributing aid in Gaza and around the world.

Chambers of Commerce called for concerted efforts to begin the stages of economic and societal recovery and development.

The Chambers of Commerce, as an independent body concerned with economic affairs, renewed their call to re-authorize the private sector to import trucks and to regulate the mechanism for importing goods according to a transparent and fair framework that ensures oversight and accountability, prevents exploitation, and ensures that aid and essential supplies reach those who deserve them without hindrance.