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Cash has become almost as scarce as food or fuel in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli shekels remain the primary currency but fresh notes have stopped arriving.
Torn or worn banknotes are often refused by vendors, forcing people to pay to “repair” money, a service that costs up to 10 shekels per note.
At a time of soaring inflation and unemployment, families are selling possessions to buy essentials.
Inflation surged 230% in 2024 and unemployment topped 80%, leaving daily survival in Gaza increasingly dependent on physical cash, and the soaring cost of simply getting it.
