In Gaza's Tent Camps, A Simple Lighter Has Become a Lifeline

A disposable cigarette lighter has become one of the most valuable everyday items in Gaza's displacement camps, where shortages of cooking gas and essential supplies have forced families to rely on open fires for survival.

For many displaced residents, the small tool is indispensable for preparing meals, boiling water, and earning a living. As supplies remain limited, the price of a single lighter has surged dramatically, placing it beyond the reach of many families.

Essential Item Amid Ongoing Hardship

In tent camps across southern Gaza, families often cook using cardboard, plastic, and scrap wood because cooking gas remains scarce. Residents say lighters are shared between multiple households and used repeatedly until they break.

The scarcity has also created a new source of income for some people. Displaced workers have begun repairing damaged plastic lighters, allowing families to reuse them instead of purchasing expensive replacements.

Daily Survival and Livelihoods

For small business owners, including traditional bread makers, access to a working lighter directly affects their ability to earn money. Without one, cooking and baking activities can come to a halt for hours.

The ongoing conflict has severely damaged Gaza's economy, leaving widespread unemployment and pushing many families into poverty. As humanitarian needs continue, even basic household items have become critical tools for daily survival.