Gaza Agriculture: 95% Land Unusable – UN Report
- A new assessment reveals a grim reality for the Gaza Strip: less than 5% of its cropland is cultivatable.
- The FAO described the situation as "alarming," citing the destruction of agricultural infrastructure as a key factor in deteriorating food production capabilities.
- Damage extends beyond fields, impacting essential resources.
Gaza’s agricultural heart is failing.An alarming UN report reveals less than 5% of Gaza’s farmland can be cultivated,a situation fueled by the ongoing conflict. The Food and agriculture Institution (FAO) highlights that over 80% of cropland is damaged, with key infrastructure—greenhouses and wells—devastated. This collapse of Gaza’s agrifood system dramatically heightens the risk of famine. The destruction is compounded by recent Israeli attacks, worsening the humanitarian crisis. News Directory 3 keeps you informed. Discover what’s next for Gaza’s agricultural sector.
Gaza Faces Agricultural Collapse Amid Conflict, Worsening Famine Risk
Updated May 26, 2025
A new assessment reveals a grim reality for the Gaza Strip: less than 5% of its cropland is cultivatable. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) jointly released findings highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on Gaza’s agricultural sector, increasing the risk of famine.
The FAO described the situation as “alarming,” citing the destruction of agricultural infrastructure as a key factor in deteriorating food production capabilities. the assessment indicates that over 80% of gaza’s total cropland has sustained damage, with nearly 78% now inaccessible to farmers. Only 688 hectares (1,700 acres) remain available for cultivation, representing a mere 4.6% of the total cropland.
Damage extends beyond fields, impacting essential resources. Over 71% of Gaza’s greenhouses and nearly 83% of its agricultural wells have been damaged, further crippling local food production.
Beth Bechdol, FAO’s deputy director-general, emphasized the severity of the situation. “This level of destruction is not just a loss of infrastructure – it is a collapse of Gaza’s agrifood system and of lifelines,” Bechdol said. “What once provided food, income, and stability for hundreds of thousands is now in ruins.”
With cropland, greenhouses, and wells destroyed, local food production has ground to a halt. Rebuilding will require massive investment – and a sustained commitment to restore both livelihoods and hope.
These findings follow a recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, wich warned that Gaza’s entire population faces a critical risk of famine after months of conflict, displacement, and restricted aid. While Israel announced “minimal” aid deliveries last week, humanitarian organizations say it’s not enough.
Israeli air attacks continue, with dozens of Palestinians killed daily. Recent strikes include the bombing of a school-turned-shelter in Gaza city, resulting in at least 36 deaths, including children. Health officials report over 50 deaths in Israeli attacks as dawn monday.
What’s next
The FAO is calling for massive investment and a sustained commitment to rebuild Gaza’s agricultural sector, restore livelihoods, and provide hope for the future. The international community faces increasing pressure to address the escalating humanitarian crisis and prevent widespread famine.