On February 9, the official Israeli Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) account on the X platform shared a video, claiming that as of February 8, 15 bakeries in the Gaza Strip would be operational, producing 2 million loaves of various types of bread daily to meet the needs of the Strip's residents. The account asserted that the number of operational bakeries had increased from 10 to 15 in the last two weeks, allegedly facilitated by COGAT.
The IsraelArabic account commented on the video, stating, "Hamas is the enemy, not the Gazan civilians,” implying that the Israeli occupation does not target Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip but rather endeavors to provide their livelihood needs, with bread being a primary concern.
Testimonies to Misbar Refute Israeli Misinformation Regarding Gaza Strip Bakery Conditions
Misbar contacted to journalist Mahmoud Al-Louh, a resident of the Nuseirat refugee camp, who confirmed that the published footage is indeed from the Al-Sufraa bakery. This bakery is the only operational one situated along the main public street known as "Al-Souk Street," in the Al-Nuseirat area and the camp. Similarly. Similarly, in Deir El-Balah city and Deir El-Balah Camp, there is only one bakery, which is Al-Banna Bakery.
Al-Louh highlighted that the footage includes additional scenes not originating from the Al-Sufraa bakery. For instance, at 00:08, a significant number of bread bags are shown, which, according to Al-Louh, is not typical of the bakery as it does not use yellow bags. Moreover, the bakery is heavily crowded with no available empty spaces, unlike what is depicted in that added scene in the video.
Occupation Forces Target Bakeries in the Gaza Strip
Regarding the conditions in the Nuseirat refugee camp during the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, journalist Mahmoud Al-Louh stated, "The Israeli occupation targeted two primary bakeries in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Yassin Bakery, situated at the intersection of Salah Al-Din Road with the entrance to Al-Nuseirat, was completely destroyed. Additionally, in the heart of the market, the Nuseirat Automated Bakery was also targeted and destroyed during the initial month of the Israeli aggression." He underscored the harsh conditions within the camp and the challenges faced by its displaced residents due to the existence of only one bakery. This situation forces residents to endure prolonged waits for a bag of bread.
The Government Media Office Speaks to Misbar About Bakery Conditions in Gaza
In a statement to Misbar, Ismail Al-Thawabta, the director general of the government media office in Gaza, clarified that only eight bakeries are currently operational throughout the entire Gaza Strip. Among them, two operate partially for no more than 6 hours daily due to a shortage resources. This contradicts the claim made by Israeli accounts, which asserted that 15 bakeries are operational.
Al-Thawabta further stated, "The Israeli occupation bombed 19 bakeries and targeted civilians lining up to buy bread, leading to the deaths of dozens since the start of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. The latest of these attacks was the bombing of the Al-Baladi bakery in Jabalia Al-Balad, north of the Gaza Strip, over a month ago. As a result, the area remains without any operational bakery up to this point."
Regarding the operational procedures of the bakeries, Al-Thawabta explained that some bakeries open temporarily but are forced to shut down due to Israeli attacks and a shortage of essential supplies such as gas and flour. This situation is particularly dire in the North Gaza Governorate, where a genuine famine is looming, endangering the lives of over 400,000 individuals. They have depleted all reserves of flour, rice, and even animal feed and grains they used to eat due to hunger.
Al-Thawabta concluded by confirming that 148 bakeries have ceased operations in the Gaza Strip since the start of the Israeli war.
The Israeli Occupation Bombed the Al-Nuseirat Bakery
On October 18 of last year, the Al- Nuseirat bakery was bombed and destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, marking one of the bakeries targeted and destroyed during the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip. This contradicts the claims made by Israeli accounts, claiming Israel’s support for bakeries and its avoidance of targeting civilians in the Gaza Strip.
Most Gaza Residents Lack Adequate Food
On February 11, the World Food Programme's account on platform X declared that the majority of Gaza Strip residents live without adequate housing or dining tables and have limited access to meals. It added that the organization is working on "supporting bakeries to resume bread production."
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