Molokhia cigarettes: Gaza’s toxic alternative to tobacco | Israel-Palestine conflict News
Gaza Residents Turn to Molokhia Mixed with Nicotine Amid Tobacco Shortages
Gaza City – Street vendors in Gaza are increasingly turning to a risky workaround as access to traditional tobacco products dwindles. Many have begun mixing molokhia, a type of green vegetable, with nicotine as a substitute for cigarettes amid escalating prices and ongoing restrictions.
The origins of this trend lie in the heightened instability of income streams for vendors, a situation exacerbated by Israeli restrictions on imports into Gaza. Since the onset of the recent conflict, Israel has prohibited the entry of tobacco products into the territory—a move that has contributed to the deaths of at least 72,000 Palestinians and has severely limited the flow of food and humanitarian aid.
Although a ceasefire that commenced in October was expected to ease these restrictions, reports indicate that Israel has continued to control the goods permitted to enter Gaza.
Abdul Karim Heles, a 36-year-old vendor from Shujayea currently displaced in western Gaza City, has sold tobacco for years. “We’ve been working in tobacco since before the war… and we continued during it,” he said. “I have no other profession.”
Heles noted that the situation has shifted dramatically, not just in trade conditions but also in consumer behavior. As cigarette prices have soared to unprecedented levels—reaching up to 600 shekels (approximately $205) for a pack that once cost 15 shekels ($5.15)—many customers are seeking alternative smoking materials.
The rising costs have forced individuals to explore unconventional substitutes, with molokhia becoming a prevalent choice. Heles explained that this mixture originated as an emergency measure, part of a broader trend of adaptation in the face of scarcity. However, he cautioned about the health risks associated with using raw nicotine mixed with herbs.
“Using raw nicotine with herbs is dangerous. It’s a toxic substance and can cause death,” he said, recalling recent incidents in local markets, including two fatalities linked to nicotine consumption. The combination’s danger is compounded by molokhia’s ability to better absorb nicotine compared to other herbs.
“The preparation process is rudimentary,” Heles noted. The leaves are dried, crushed, and combined with nicotine, resulting in a product that fails to meet safety standards.
While some vendors continue to explore this mixture, they recognize it is not a legitimate substitute for traditional tobacco. Increased prices and limited availability have left many with few options.
“This situation leaves us little choice,” Heles remarked. The dramatic rise in prices, combined with a decrease in purchasing power, has led to a reduced demand for cigarettes—primarily because many can no longer afford them.
