Farmers in the Gaza Strip, who once cultivated crops such as eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes, are now facing devastation due to ongoing conflict. Many farms have been destroyed, with fields damaged by military operations, equipment lost, and numerous farmers killed.
In Beit Lahia, a once fertile area in northern Gaza, Yousef Saqer, 24, lamented the destruction of his greenhouses and irrigation systems. He noted, “The tanks destroyed all of it,” and expressed a return to manual farming methods, stating, “We went back to the old ways of doing everything.”
The Gaza Strip, home to 2.2 million residents, has historically struggled to produce enough food for its population. Most of the food supply was reliant on relief agencies due to an Israeli and Egyptian blockade aimed at weakening Hamas. Despite the blockade, agriculture and fishing were vital to the economy, providing jobs and some food for the population.
Currently, extensive restrictions on aid have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine. A U.N.-backed panel has warned of high levels of acute food insecurity affecting nearly all residents. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification has called for unimpeded access for aid and the restoration of food production.
Arif Husain, chief economist at the U.N. World Food Program, highlighted the unprecedented scale of the crisis, noting that nearly the entire population is at risk of starvation. The Israeli military has stated that it does not intend to damage civilian infrastructure, attributing the destruction to Hamas's presence in civilian areas.
Since the onset of the war, the World Food Program has managed to deliver only 20 percent of the necessary food aid to Gaza. An analysis by the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization revealed that 57 percent of Gaza’s farmland has been damaged, 33 percent of greenhouses destroyed, and 70 percent of livestock lost.
Farmers like Raed Abu Asad, 47, have experienced significant financial losses, with the cost of farming materials skyrocketing. He reported losing approximately $100,000 since the war began and expressed despair over the prospect of rebuilding his life. “I have to keep farming now to at least survive and feed my family,” he said, contemplating fleeing Gaza after the conflict.
Fishing, another key economic activity, has also been severely impacted. Israeli security restrictions have made fishing dangerous, with reports indicating that at least 120 fishermen have been killed during the conflict. Nezar Ayyash, president of the Gaza fishermen’s association, noted that fishermen are now risking their lives to fish close to shore.
The Israeli military confirmed that its forces have opened fire on fishing boats, citing security concerns in the maritime area. The military stated that the population has been informed of these restrictions.
In Beit Lahia, Saqer reflected on the past when the area was known for its agricultural productivity. He criticized the Israeli military for hindering agricultural practices and pushing the community back in time. Saqer’s family, who initially fled their home, returned to plant new crops, but avoided areas near the border due to military presence.
As the conflict continues, northern Gaza has again become a focal point of military operations. Recently, the main emergency service in Gaza announced a halt to rescue operations, with renewed airstrikes resulting in significant casualties.
Tragically, Yousef Saqer was killed by an Israeli airstrike on October 21, just weeks after sharing his story.