Charity Christian Aid’s research shows a 64-pack of nappies in stricken Gaza, which is suffering under a blockade by Israel lasting more than two months, costs more than a flight to Ibiza
A pack of nappies in war-torn Gaza can cost more than a flight from the UK to Ibiza.
The stricken enclave has been suffering under an aid blockade by Israel for more than two months, with prices soaring. A 64-pack of nappies there costs up to £42, charity research reveals — eight times as much as it can set shoppers back here for one brand. The staggering price also represents more than a plane ticket from the UK to popular Spanish holiday island Ibiza. We found a one-way EasyJet flight ticket for next month from London Gatwick to Ibiza on sale for £35.99.
By contrast, Christian Aid research covering April 29-30 recorded the price of a 64-pack of nappies in northern Gaza at 200-150 Israeli Shekels (£42.08 – £31.55). This is a rise from 90 Israeli Shekels (£18.93) recorded only weeks earlier on 3 April. The charity’s research found the price was also sky-high in southern Gaza, with nappies 180-160 Israeli Shekels (£37.88 – £33.67) — up from 70 (£14.73) over the same period.
Israel imposed its blockade on 2 March, before resuming military action in the territory on 18 March. Both steps, it said, aim to pressure Hamas to release hostages. But rights groups label the blockade a “starvation tactic”. Grandmother-of-seven Ahlam Fattouh, 53, who is in a neighbourhood in Gaza City, said: “Due to the closure of crossings and the tightening of the siege imposed for over sixty days, our suffering has worsened in an unprecedented manner, making securing basic needs nearly impossible, especially nappies which are essential for both children and the elderly.
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“My family includes two children under the age of three (2 and 2.5), in addition to my elderly and bedridden parents (85 and 90 years old), which makes providing nappies an indispensable daily necessity. This situation becomes even more difficult with the continuous water cuts, limited availability of cleaning and sterilization materials, increasing health risks, and the threat of skin diseases and infections.”
Katie Roxburgh, Christian Aid’s Programme Manager for Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, added: “The Israeli government has blocked all aid from getting into the Gaza Strip for over two months. This inhumane act of collective punishment has left people starving and desperate. Research by Christian Aid has found that as well as food and medicine, other essential items such as nappies have been hit by huge price hikes due to limited availability. The cost of a pack of nappies in Gaza is now around £42 – a shocking price which the vast majority of families cannot afford to pay.
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“With unemployment close to 80%, nearly everyone is living in poverty. It is unbearable to imagine a mother’s plight as she searches for basic supplies for her child. The ceasefire must be restored immediately and full humanitarian access granted. Until then, Christian Aid and our partners working in Gaza continue to hope and pray for a lasting just peace.”
Shoppers in the UK can order an ASDA 64-pack of nappies for just £4.99. Or a 64-pack of Pampers baby-dry nappies is priced at £12.98 on Asda’s website. The price rises in Gaza come as Israel’s plan to seize the enclave has sparked alarm in the region. On Monday, Israeli officials said cabinet ministers approved the plan to take Gaza and remain in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified period.
The war began after Hamas’ October 7 attack in 2023 which killed about 1,200 people with around 250 hostages taken. Israel’s ensuing offensive has killed over 52,000 people in Gaza.