Muslim World Report

How Parle-G Biscuits Became a Symbol of Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 7, 2025 10:22 AM | 7 min read | 1466 words

TL;DR: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to an astronomical increase in the price of basic goods, notably Parle-G biscuits, which have soared from Rs 5 to Rs 2,400. This surge reflects deep-rooted issues including economic instability, inadequate distribution of aid, and political tensions. A comprehensive overhaul of humanitarian aid mechanisms is essential, which includes community engagement, regional cooperation, and a focus on both immediate relief and long-term development.

The Price of Survival: The Crisis in Gaza

In recent months, the situation in Gaza has escalated into a harrowing humanitarian crisis, primarily characterized by an extraordinary spike in the cost of essential goods. A distressing illustration of this inflation is seen in the price of Parle-G biscuits, once a staple for many families, which has surged from Rs 5 to an astounding Rs 2,400 on the black market. This dramatic rise in price is not merely a symptom of economic instability but serves as a glaring indicator of the broader humanitarian catastrophe afflicting the region. The transformation of these biscuits from a commonplace item to a luxury good underscores the dire circumstances faced by the Gazan population.

The Complexities of Humanitarian Aid

The intricacies surrounding humanitarian aid in Gaza are deep-rooted and obstructed by various challenges:

  • Blockades and access issues
  • Political tensions
  • Inadequate distribution of humanitarian goods

Humanitarian goods that enter Gaza are often inadequately distributed, reaching only select individuals or groups, thereby exacerbating existing inequalities. Dr. Khaled Alshawwa, a local surgeon, highlights the ethical dilemmas inherent in a system that permits essential goods—intended as humanitarian aid—to be sold at exorbitant prices. Such items, often marked with ‘EXPORT PACK’ labels and lacking listed prices, epitomize how scarcity and desperation have converted vital supplies into black-market commodities, making basic sustenance unattainable for many.

As the cost of living escalates, the population of Gaza—predominantly impoverished and underserved—faces not only a scarcity of food but also a profound erosion of dignity and hope. The implications of this crisis extend far beyond the immediate suffering in Gaza, posing significant risks to regional stability, international relations, and humanitarian policies worldwide. The interconnectedness of our global landscape means that the events taking place in Gaza reverberate throughout international communities, making this a pivotal moment that demands urgent attention and action.

What If: Rethinking Humanitarian Aid

What if the humanitarian aid structure currently in place were to be completely overhauled to guarantee that essential goods reached the most vulnerable? An effective redesign of the aid delivery system is critical to alleviating immediate suffering in Gaza. This would necessitate:

  • Reassessing existing channels through which aid is provided
  • Emphasizing greater transparency and efficiency
  • Collaborating between international organizations and local NGOs

Fostering robust distribution networks that involve community engagement can enhance trust and ensure that aid reaches intended recipients (Shafi & Malik, 2024).

Moreover, such a restructured system could encourage neighboring countries to take a more proactive stance in facilitating support—not only via aid but also by exerting political pressure to resolve the underlying conflict. Engaging regional powers in a humanitarian-focused approach may offer a glimmer of hope for a sustainable and just resolution to the ongoing crisis. However, significant challenges remain, as entrenched political dynamics often obstruct meaningful change. The entrenched interests that benefit from the status quo may resist necessary reforms, and thus a substantial political will must be cultivated to effectuate this overhaul.

The Risk of Further Chaos

As the crisis in Gaza deepens, the risk of further unrest and violence looms large. Historical precedents illustrate that when fundamental needs are unmet, populations pushed to their limits often resort to civil unrest, leading to catastrophic consequences not only for Gaza but the broader region (Hamamra et al., 2025). The ongoing violence threatens to exacerbate civilian casualties and cause further devastation to essential infrastructure. An escalation of conflict could compel an international response, yet traditional reactions often veer toward militarization rather than addressing humanitarian needs meaningfully (Ben Saad & Dergaa, 2023).

What if the situation in Gaza deteriorates further, leading to increased unrest and violence? Such a scenario would have catastrophic consequences, not only for Gazans but for the entire region. History demonstrates that when basic needs are unmet, and populations are pushed to their limits, civil unrest often ensues. A surge in violence could precipitate a humanitarian catastrophe, resulting in rising civilian casualties and further devastation of infrastructure. The international community would be compelled to respond, but responses often lean toward militarization rather than meaningful humanitarian intervention. This could create a vicious cycle of violence, entrenching divisions in the region.

Additionally, instability in Gaza could spill over into adjacent territories, exacerbating tensions within Israel and potentially drawing in regional powers. Such an escalation would complicate existing geopolitical relationships, forcing nations to choose sides in a conflict that could become increasingly polarized. The specter of a broader conflict looms, threatening not only the immediate area but also international relations.

Strategic Maneuvers for All Involved

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to unfold, it is imperative for all stakeholders—local, regional, and international—to reassess their strategies:

  • Palestinian leadership must prioritize humanitarian needs, ensuring that aid and resources are directed toward those most affected by the crisis.
  • Constructive dialogues with various factions, including opposition groups, can help build a united front that advocates for the rights and needs of the populace.

International interventions must also adapt; rather than merely supplying arms or issuing statements of condemnation, nations must ensure that humanitarian support is meaningful and comprehensive. This can be achieved through:

  • Increased funding for aid initiatives
  • Partnerships with local organizations
  • Leveraging influence over conflicting parties to encourage peace negotiations (Feldman, 2012)

Furthermore, regional powers like Egypt, Jordan, and Turkey should act as mediators, facilitating dialogues aimed at long-term solutions. These nations have a vested interest in stability and should leverage their influence to promote negotiations that prioritize human rights and humanitarian needs. The global community—including civil society organizations and advocacy groups—must amplify efforts to raise awareness and mobilize public opinion against this ongoing humanitarian catastrophe, exerting pressure on governments to take action.

What if robust collaborations between global and local entities were established to enforce fair distribution of humanitarian aid? A restructured and reinforced aid delivery system could ensure that vital resources reach those who need them the most. By employing technology to track supplies and monitor distribution channels, the potential for corruption and misallocation could diminish significantly. Furthermore, such a unified approach would instill hope and empower communities by involving them in decision-making processes, countering the prevailing sense of helplessness and despair.

The Path Forward

As we analyze the multifaceted crisis in Gaza, it is vital to consider the long-term implications of the ongoing humanitarian aid efforts and the geopolitical complexities surrounding them. The situation necessitates urgent reform to the existing structures of aid delivery and a concerted effort for regional and international cooperation to mediate the prevailing tensions.

The need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of humanitarian strategy cannot be overstated. Historical attempts to provide aid have often been undermined by the very structures meant to facilitate assistance. What if the international community adopted a holistic view of the crisis, recognizing the need for both short-term relief and long-term development? This approach would require a paradigm shift, moving from a crisis-response model to one focused on sustainable growth, peacebuilding, and empowerment.

To implement this change, various stakeholders must come together, fostering a coordinated response that addresses the immediate humanitarian needs while also laying the groundwork for lasting peace. By prioritizing community engagement and grassroots involvement, efforts to alleviate suffering in Gaza can be tailored more effectively to the unique circumstances faced by the population.

In conclusion, the intersection of humanitarian needs and political complexities in Gaza presents a daunting challenge. Nonetheless, it is also an opportunity for collective action and transformative change. With strategic foresight, collaborative effort, and a commitment to prioritizing human rights, the potential for a more just and peaceful future is within reach.

References:

  • Farhat, T., Ibrahim, S., Abdul-Sater, Z., & Abu-Sittah, G. (2023). Responding to the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: Damned if You do… Damned if You don’t!. Annals of Global Health. https://doi.org/10.5334/aogh.3975
  • Sathar, M. A. (2014). The war in Gaza: A humanitarian crisis. South African Journal of Bioethics and Law. https://doi.org/10.7196/sajbl.356
  • Shafi, H., & Malik, H. (2024). Humanitarian Crisis and Crumbling Pillars of R2P in Gaza. Journal of Security & Strategic Analyses. https://doi.org/10.57169/jssa.0010.01.0299
  • Ben Saad, H., & Dergaa, I. (2023). Public Health in Peril: Assessing the Impact of Ongoing Conflict in Gaza Strip (Palestine) and Advocating Immediate Action to Halt Atrocities. New Asian Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.61186/najm.1.2.1
  • Hamamra, B., Mahamid, F., Bdier, D., & Atiya, M. (2025). War-related Trauma in Narratives of Gazans: Challenges, Difficulties, and Survival Coping. Cambridge Prisms Global Mental Health. https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2025.23
  • Feldman, I. (2012). The Humanitarian Condition: Palestinian Refugees and the Politics of Living. Humanity. https://doi.org/10.1353/hum.2012.0017
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