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.
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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.