Recently, official Israeli accounts in both Arabic and English have been promoting misleading claims about the number of bakeries operating throughout Gaza, particularly in the northern and central regions of the Gaza Strip.
These accounts presented statistics regarding the daily production and distribution of bread loaves in Gaza during this period, along with the pace of aid deliveries. However, these claims sharply contradict the figures reported by UNRWA and the Gaza government.
On October 11, the official account of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) shared a video on X, accompanied by a series of misleading statistics about the total number of bakeries operating in Gaza, particularly highlighting those in the northern and central areas of the Gaza Strip. The account claimed that 13 bakeries are functioning in Gaza, producing 3.1 million loaves of bread daily. It also stated that five bakeries in the north produce 1.3 million loaves daily, while eight bakeries in central Gaza produce 1.8 million loaves daily. Additionally, the post alleged that Israel has arranged fuel supplies for these bakeries and that it is actively facilitating humanitarian efforts for the civilian population in Gaza.
Moreover, the "IsraelArabic" account shared a video reiterating the claim that bakeries in Gaza are operating at full capacity, stating that 13 bakeries collectively produce more than 3 million loaves of bread daily. The video further insisted that there is no shortage of food supplies and that the COGAT office is taking necessary steps to provide these bakeries with adequate fuel supplies.
Misbar noted that Israel has been promoting these claims while simultaneously tightening its restrictions on aid entering Gaza. This includes enforcing a suffocating siege on the northern region, attempting to militarily isolate it from the rest of Gaza, and blocking the entry of food supplies and humanitarian aid. Such actions aim to mislead global public opinion and reduce international criticism directed at it for the inhumane siege imposed on northern Gaza.
Israeli Misinformation Regarding Aid Deliveries to Northern Gaza
On October 14, Gaza’s government media office released a statement accusing the Israeli army of deliberately lying and misleading public opinion regarding the entry of flour trucks into northern Gaza. The office clarified that Gaza, particularly the northern provinces, has been under siege for 170 days, with all humanitarian access points closed and a systematic starvation policy enforced.
The Government Media Office further condemned the Israeli army for committing acts of starvation and killing civilians and displaced persons in the North Gaza Governorate. It denounced Israel’s attempts to destroy the healthcare system and turn the northern region into an area of complete devastation, calling on the international community and all nations to denounce these ongoing atrocities.
In this context, Palestinian journalist Imad Zakout from Jabalia stated in a post on X that, throughout the ongoing Israeli military operation in northern Gaza over the past two weeks, no aid has been allowed into the region, resulting in dire humanitarian conditions. He emphasized that residents in the north are desperately pleading for assistance to avoid succumbing to starvation.
Israel Deliberately Targets Northern Gaza’s Only Bakery
The occupation has not only intensified restrictions on aid entering Gaza and imposed a suffocating siege on the northern region, but it has also deliberately targeted the few bakeries still providing essential bread to besieged civilians amid its ongoing military operation in the north.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reported that the main crossings into northern Gaza have been closed and no food aid has entered the region since October 1. Furthermore, the WFP noted that airstrikes, ground operations, and evacuation orders have compelled kitchens, bakeries, and food distribution points in northern Gaza to shut down. This has severely hindered efforts to provide essential food supplies to the affected population, worsening the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The WFP also confirmed that the only operational bakery in Jabalia caught fire after being hit by explosive munitions. This bakery, supported by the WFP, played a crucial role in providing essential bread to the local population.
Civil defense worker Karim Al-Hassani shared a video on his Instagram account documenting the occupation's deliberate targeting of the Al-Shalfooh Bakery, the last remaining bakery in northern Gaza. The video captures flames engulfing several parts of the bakery, highlighting extensive damage. Additionally, it shows large quantities of flour stored in the warehouse, marked as belonging to the WFP, being consumed by the fire.
Furthermore, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) confirmed that on October 14, Israeli artillery shelled multiple locations in and around its food distribution center in Jabalia. This attack took place while numerous civilians were waiting to receive essential food aid from the center. UNRWA reported that at least 10 people were killed and 40 others sustained injuries as a result of the shelling, highlighting the tragic consequences of the ongoing war on vulnerable populations seeking assistance.
Targeting Bakeries Across Gaza
The occupation’s targeting extends beyond northern Gaza, impacting other regions as well. Israeli claims regarding the number and condition of operational bakeries in Gaza sharply contrast with the harsh reality on the ground. In this context, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that several bakeries in Deir Al-Balah, located in central Gaza, have ceased operations due to acute shortages of flour, fuel, and other essential materials necessary for bread production. These shortages are directly attributed to the occupation’s closure of crossings and tighter restrictions on the entry of aid, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis across the Gaza Strip.
Anadolu Agency reported on September 15, quoting Kamel Ajjour, head of the Kamal Ajjour Bakery Group in Gaza City. He revealed that five out of six bakeries in Gaza City and northern Gaza have halted operations due to the occupation's blockade on the entry of fuel and essential raw materials for bread production.
Ajjour further elaborated that the only operational bakery faces the imminent threat of shutting down within a week if the occupation persists in blocking the entry of essential raw materials and fuel.
He also warned of the looming threat of famine in Gaza and the northern areas, particularly as the bread production crisis escalates with the closure of most bakeries. This alarming situation significantly heightens the risk of deepening humanitarian suffering among the population, leaving countless families without access to essential food supplies and exacerbating the already critical conditions in Gaza.
Misbar’s Coverage of Israeli Misinformation on Gaza Living Conditions
Misbar previously exposed how the occupation employed similar tactics, using the same accounts and methodologies to spread misleading information. In February, it disseminated inaccurate details regarding the state of bakeries in Gaza, including false data about the number of operational bakeries and their daily bread production. Misbar successfully debunked these claims by thoroughly reviewing the promoted information, cross-referencing data from organizations active in the area, and gathering exclusive testimonies that confirmed the inaccuracies of the published claims.
In another article, Misbar revealed that the occupation continues to employ the same misinformation strategy, not only regarding the number of bakeries in Gaza and their daily bread production but also by disseminating false information about overall living and health conditions in the Gaza Strip. These fabrications include misleading claims about electricity supplies, false allegations regarding the entry of medical aid into hospitals, and accusations that Hamas is seizing humanitarian assistance. Moreover, the occupation has attempted to discredit UNRWA in a bid to deflect responsibility for exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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