The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has led to the destruction of more than two-thirds of the agricultural land in the enclave, posing an increased risk of famine, according to a report released by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
As of September 1, 67.6% of the agricultural land in Gaza, amounting to over 10,000 hectares, has been damaged.
The report, prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT), indicates a significant escalation from 57.3% in May and 42.6% in February.
Specifically, 71.2% of orchards and fruit trees and 67.1% of field crops, particularly around Khan Yunis, have been affected. Additionally, 58.5% of vegetable crops have suffered damage.
The analysis, based on satellite imagery, also shows severe damage to over half of the water wells designated for agricultural use (1,188) and 577 hectares of agricultural greenhouses.
The images reveal tracks of heavy vehicles, bombing operations, and areas completely leveled.
The livestock sector has also been severely impacted, with approximately 95% of livestock reported dead. Only 43% of sheep (less than 25,000 heads) and 37% of goats (around 3,000 heads) have survived.
Furthermore, most fishing boats at the Gaza City port, which suffered extensive damage, have been destroyed.
Beth Bechdol, the Deputy Director-General of the FAO, stated, “The scale of the damage has reached unprecedented levels. This raises serious questions about current and future production capacities, as food aid alone cannot meet the daily needs of Gaza’s population.”
Bechdol added, “The damage to agricultural lands exacerbates the imminent risk of famine across the Gaza Strip.”
The organization emphasizes that the over two million residents of the strip are in dire need of food, while strict restrictions continue to be imposed on the entry of aid into the besieged area.
This crisis follows continuous Israeli operations in Gaza since an unprecedented attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israeli side, the majority of whom were civilians, according to a count by Agence France-Presse based on official Israeli figures.
At least 41,788 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, which the United Nations deems reliable.
