In a deeply moving moment amid the harsh realities of war-torn Gaza, a Palestinian father’s simple act of love is resonating across social media. Mohammed Jawad, a resident of Gaza, went to extraordinary lengths to bring joy to his daughter Rafif—by buying her a packet of Parle-G biscuits, a nostalgic and beloved Indian snack. While Parle-G typically retails for just ₹5 in India and roughly ₹100 in international markets, Jawad paid a staggering €24 (approximately ₹2,342) for a single packet in Gaza. He shared the emotional story and visuals of Rafif gleefully holding and enjoying the biscuits on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “After a long wait, I finally got Rafif her favourite biscuits today. Even though the price jumped from 1.5 euros to over 24 euros, I just couldn’t deny Rafif her favourite treat,” he wrote. A Price Paid in Crisis The price surge reflects the extreme scarcity and inflation in Gaza, where the Israel-Hamas conflict has led to a near-total blockade, crippling the flow of goods and humanitarian aid. Basic items, including food and medicine, have become increasingly rare—and prohibitively expensive. Everyday goods, like Parle-G, are now viewed as luxury items. In another post, Jawad requested support and donations for his family, describing the desperate economic conditions they are facing. “We really appreciate your continued support and donations. It helps us afford what we need in these tough times with prices going up,” he appealed. Gaza’s Humanitarian Emergency Since Israel launched a military campaign in response to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, Gaza has endured relentless airstrikes, widespread displacement, and a devastating humanitarian crisis. UN agencies and humanitarian watchdogs have repeatedly warned that the region is on the brink of famine. Aid that does reach Gaza is often delayed, minimal, or diverted, raising allegations of aid exploitation and black-market inflation. The rate of acute malnutrition among children has reportedly tripled since a brief period of aid flow earlier this year. Rafif’s joy over a single biscuit pack starkly contrasts with the broader struggle for survival facing thousands of families in Gaza today. About Parle-G: A Biscuit That Crossed Borders Launched in 1938 during India’s Swadeshi Movement, Parle-G (short for Parle Glucose) quickly became a symbol of affordable nourishment. With its instantly recognizable yellow packaging and the face of the “Parle Girl”, the biscuit earned the moniker “The Taste of India.” Over the decades, Parle-G became synonymous with Indian tea-time culture and affordable snacking. Today, it is exported to over 20 countries across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, making it a source of comfort and nostalgia for the Indian diaspora and beyond. That a single pack of Parle-G could carry such weight—both emotionally and economically—shows how even the simplest joys can shine in the darkest of times. Rafif’s smile, bought at such great cost, now stands as a powerful symbol of parental love, resilience, and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.
