(Paris) More than two-thirds of agricultural land in the Gaza Strip has been ravaged by the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory, “increasing the risk of famine” for the population, according to an assessment published Thursday by the United Nations United Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
At 1er September, 67.6% of agricultural land – more than 10,000 hectares – was damaged, according to this report established with the UN Satellite Center (UNOSAT). In May it was 57.3% and in February 42.6%.
More precisely, 71.2% of orchards and tree plantations were affected, 67.1% of field crops (notably in the region of Khan Younès, in the center), and 58.5% of market gardening crops, indicates this report based on satellite images.
In addition to crops, more than half of wells for agricultural use (1,188) and 577 hectares of greenhouses were “significantly” damaged, the images showing traces of heavy vehicles, bombings or razed sites.
Some 95% of the cattle died. 43% of the sheep (less than 25,000 animals) and 37% of the goats (3,000) survived. And in the port of Gaza City, which was seriously damaged, most of the fishing boats were destroyed.
PHOTO OMAR AL-QATTAA, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
Fishermen paddle makeshift boats with destroyed buildings in the background in Gaza City’s main fishing port.
“The extent of the damage is reaching unprecedented levels. This raises serious questions about current and future production capacities, as food aid alone cannot meet the daily needs of the population of Gaza,” warns FAO Deputy Director General Beth Bechdol, quoted in a press release.
This damage to agricultural land compounds the imminent risk of famine throughout the Gaza Strip.
Beth Bechdol, Deputy Director-General of FAO
The more than two million inhabitants are in urgent need of food in particular, while access remains restricted for humanitarian aid, underlines the organization.
Israel has been carrying out incessant operations in Gaza since the unprecedented attack carried out on October 7 by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israeli side, the majority civilians, according to an AFP count based on data Israeli officials.
At least 41,788 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were killed there, according to data from the Hamas government’s Health Ministry for Gaza, deemed reliable by the UN.