In the midst of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, the economic and agricultural situation is rapidly deteriorating. The agricultural sector is facing severe damages due to continuous bombardment and the destruction of infrastructure. The attacks target water tanks, bakeries, and numerous food storage facilities. Additionally, infrastructure has been demolished, and electricity has been completely cut off from the besieged region for 17 years. This includes the prevention of fuel entry and the destruction of many power generators and solar energy stations, which have become the sole and extremely scarce source of electrical power throughout the entire region.
The bombardment results in substantial damage to agricultural crops, leaving a profoundly detrimental impact on life in this besieged area.
The Impact of Bombing on Agricultural Crops:
Agriculture in Gaza has been a crucial and primary source of vegetables, providing 80% self-sufficiency in vegetables and 25% in fruits before the Israeli war. Potatoes, various peppers, strawberries, and flowers constitute essential exports from Gaza, with a daily export volume ranging from 10 to 15 trucks according to the Palestinian Trade Center.
Today, the agricultural sector is suffering significant repercussions due to continuous bombing, leading to the destruction of farms, fields, and agricultural infrastructure. Deliberate bombings in Gaza have devastated agricultural crops, resulting in the uprooting of at least 25% of agricultural land, equivalent to 45,000 dunams in the region. The direct losses to the agricultural sector have surpassed 180 million dollars, as confirmed by the Gaza government's media office. The Israeli army's targeting of the olive season has led to the death of numerous flocks of poultry, birds, and animals.
In addition to crop destruction, the bombing also targets agricultural infrastructure, including warehouses, wells, and agricultural equipment. This disrupts the continuous supply chain and hampers agricultural operations, making it increasingly challenging to restore economic life and rely on agriculture as a means of livelihood.
The cumulative effects of crop destruction and infrastructure damage impact the daily lives of Gaza's residents. Economic difficulties and resource shortages exacerbate people's suffering, making access to food and water more challenging. As a result of crop destruction and disrupted agricultural operations, the risk of food shortages in Gaza intensifies. The food crisis accelerates, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance to meet the basic needs of the population.
