**Panic Buying Grips Gaza as Iran War Triggers Fears of Food Shortages** In the midst of Ramadan celebrations, the people of Gaza are facing a new challenge – one that has nothing to do with fasting, but everything to do with food. The news of a potential war between Israel and Iran has sent shockwaves through the Palestinian enclave, prompting residents to rush to the markets and stockpile essential goods. For Hani Abu Issa, a father of five, the scene at the Deir el-Balah market on Saturday morning was one of chaos. "I saw people buying everything in sight – sugar, flour, cooking oil, and even yeast," he recalls. "The shelves were emptying fast, and the prices were skyrocketing." As a resident of Gaza, Hani has lived through tough times before, but he never thought he'd see the day when people would panic-buy food. The trigger for the panic was the announcement by the Israeli military that it was closing the crossings into Gaza, citing security concerns related to the war with Iran. The news sent a wave of anxiety through the population, with many residents fearing a repeat of the 2008-2009 Gaza War, which left many without access to basic necessities like food and water. For Hani, the possibility of a prolonged closure of the crossings is a nightmare scenario. "We don't have the luxury of stockpiling food for long periods," he says. "The conditions we live in are not ideal for storing food, and we risk losing what little we have." He's not alone in his concerns – many residents are struggling to make ends meet, and the thought of a prolonged food shortage is a daunting one. The uncertainty surrounding the duration of the closure has added to the anxiety. "Israel's word cannot be relied upon," Hani says, frustration etched on his face. "We're left in limbo, not knowing what the future holds." As Gaza struggles to come to terms with the implications of the conflict, one thing is clear – the people of Gaza are bracing themselves for the worst.