Grass soup
This dish, made from grass by Gaza residents during the food crisis, is a means of survival. Although grass is not suitable for consumption in large quantities and provides little nutritional value, it is cooked to create something resembling a soup or a dish inspired by the traditional mulukhiyah (jute leaf soup). In this recipe, the grass is boiled and mixed with lemon juice to add flavor.
Ingredients:
- Fresh grass (locally gathered)
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Salt (if available)
Instructions:
- Gathering the grass: Collect fresh, green grass from the cleanest possible areas.
- Cooking: Wash the grass thoroughly in water to remove any dirt or impurities—if available. Then boil it in a large pot of water for about 15-20 minutes to soften it. Unfortunately, access to clean water in Gaza is severely limited.
- Seasoning: After boiling, drain the grass and add lemon juice to give the dish a slightly sour flavor. If salt is available, add a pinch for taste.
- Serving: Serve the grass in bowls, similar to a soup.
Note: Eating grass does not provide adequate nutritional value and can cause health problems. It should be viewed as an emergency solution in extreme situations.
“The lack of aid coupled with Israel’s siege on Gaza and relentless bombardment, which has been ongoing for over five months, has forced many Palestinians to resort to eating grass and weeds. (…) Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif confirmed the reports of families eating grass, saying that it is being mixed with lemon and that “there are even some families who don’t have this”. (…) Since human bodies struggle to break down grass in the gut if a large quantity is consumed, it can cause vomiting or diarrhoea – or at the very least it will pass out undigested, meaning it will provide little nutrition to the body.
One mother reported that her children are “weak” and “always have diarrhoea, their faces are yellow,” after being forced to drink polluted water and eat grass.” *
Since October 2023, when the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensified, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has drastically worsened. The complete blockade imposed by Israel has effectively cut off essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and medicine, leading to a dramatic deterioration in living conditions for millions of people. The region’s agricultural infrastructure, including farmland, orchards, and the fishing fleet, has been decimated—around 70% of the fishing industry is no longer operational, depriving residents of crucial food sources.
The blockade also restricts access to the sea, further limiting Gaza’s fishing capabilities. Israeli forces have targeted farms, greenhouses, and water infrastructure, resulting in the complete collapse of Gaza’s food system. Israel is using food as a tool in the conflict, deliberately restricting access to basic food supplies, forcing residents to forage for wild plants like khobiza to survive. Even these limited resources are at risk of running out.
The intent behind these actions is to weaken the civilian population through hunger and deprivation of basic necessities. As a result, 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with many forced to move multiple times in search of safety and aid. International organizations, including the United Nations, are warning that this policy is leading to a risk of mass starvation. The blockade is not only creating severe food shortages but is also restricting humanitarian aid deliveries, exacerbating problems related to access to food and clean water. Most of Gaza’s residents are entirely dependent on external aid, which is being deliberately limited.
