FAO report: Destruction of 95% of agricultural lands in Gaza threatens food security.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has announced that less than 5% of agricultural land in Gaza is still suitable for farming or accessible, increasing the risk of famine in the region. FAO confirmed that over 80% of agricultural land has been significantly damaged, with about 78% of it now inaccessible, posing a serious threat to local food production. The most affected areas are located in Rafah in the south and the north of the sector, where most agricultural lands are no longer accessible. According to a joint analysis with the United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT), only 688 hectares are available for farming, representing 4.6% of the total agricultural land. The destruction of agricultural infrastructure, including lands and wells, has led to the halt of food production and the collapse of livelihoods, according to Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General. These conditions persist amidst a war that has been ongoing for over 19 months and a blockade restricting humanitarian aid entry into the sector, exacerbating the food and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. FAO notes that agriculture used to account for 10% of Gaza's economy, providing a livelihood for about a quarter of the population before the outbreak of war, reflecting the extent of losses incurred by the agricultural and economic sectors in Gaza. Despite some recent aid entry approvals, the needs remain immense and inadequately met. This critical situation reflects the challenges facing Gaza in terms of food security and raises urgent questions about the possibilities of recovery and regaining agricultural production capacity amid the ongoing conflict and restrictions imposed on the sector.