In Gaza, money is falling apart

Planet Money

2025/09/20

Overview Shownote Highlights Transcript Chapters Pins

Shownote

Israel has been blocking the flow of physical money into Gaza since the start of the war. So whatever paper cash was in Gaza before the war, that’s all that’s been circulating. It's falling apart from overuse. Two best friends, one in Gaza and one in Bel...

Highlights

In the midst of war, Gaza's financial system has collapsed, leaving its people to navigate a reality where money barely functions and survival depends on ingenuity and connection. Amid the rubble and restrictions, two friends—one inside Gaza, one abroad—are trying to bridge an impossible gap.

09:52

Getting cash from a bank account now costs a 50% fee due to extreme shortages

22:43

Al-El-Din uses informal money swaps to send funds instead of wire transfers due to banking restrictions

28:48

Diaper prices in Gaza have risen from $6 to $75 per pack due to inflation

32:23

The U.N. calls the famine in Gaza man-made, which Israel rejects.

Chapters

What happens when an entire economy runs out of cash?

00:00

How do you buy milk when every step outside could be deadly?

13:15

Can money even reach Gaza when banks won’t touch it?

25:36

What’s left when inflation eats everything—and the lights go out?

32:23

Transcript

Sarah Gonzalez: This is Planet Money from NPR. Al-Aldin Sheikh Khalid: Hello, Hello. Sarah Gonzalez: The other day, I joined a call between these two old friends, Al-Aldin Sheikh Khalid and Muhammad Awad. Hello. Al-Aldin Sheikh Khalid: Hey, Muhammad. M...