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Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

More Than Half of Gaza's Agricultural Land Degraded by Conflict


Fri 14 Jun 2024 | 02:21 PM
Ahmed Emam

The United Nations has reported that satellite imagery indicates that more than half of Gaza's farmland, essential for feeding the hungry population in the conflict-ridden territory, has been adversely affected by the ongoing conflict.

The data indicates a notable increase in the destruction of orchards, field crops, and vegetables in Gaza, where widespread hunger persists after eight months of Israeli bombardment. The World Health Organization has issued a warning, stating that many people in Gaza are currently experiencing "catastrophic hunger and famine-like conditions." By examining satellite imagery captured between May 2017 and 2024, the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) and the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have determined that 57% of Gaza's permanent crop fields and arable lands, which are vital for ensuring food security, have experienced a significant decline in density and overall health.

According to UNOSAT, in May 2024, crop health and density across the Gaza Strip showed a marked decline compared to the average of the previous seven seas."

"This deterioration is attributed to conflict-related activities, including razing, heavy vehicle movement, bombing, and shelling," said UNOSAT."

"The decline marked a 30% increase in damaged agricultural land since it published its last analysis in April."