The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has reached alarming proportions following Israel's military actions, which have resulted in widespread agricultural devastation since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), approximately 75% of the fields previously used for crop cultivation and olive orchards have sustained serious damage or complete destruction due to the relentless warfare.
The FAO report indicates grim statistics; more than two-thirds of agricultural wells are non-operational, resulting in acute shortages of irrigation water. Livestock numbers have plummeted, with losses reaching 96%, leading to virtually halted milk production, and only 1% of poultry remains alive. This catastrophic situation has left Gaza’s fishing sector on the brink of collapse, exacerbated by severe food insecurity for millions.
Antoine Renard, the World Food Programme (WFP) director for Palestine, highlighted efforts to reach displaced people, noting, "We are doing everything necessary to reach the displaced people returning to their homes." The WFP has managed to operate 13 bakeries and prepare hot meals for families seeking refuge in shelters throughout the southern region of Gaza.
The extent of the destruction is staggering. A recent damage assessment by the UN indicates the cleanup of over 50 million tonnes of rubble caused by the conflict could take up to 21 years and may cost approximately $1.2 billion. Rebuilding efforts could potentially extend until 2040. A UN Development Program official remarked, "The war has erased 69 years of development results in Gaza," underscoring the staggering setback for the region's growth and resilience.
The bleak agricultural condition is paralleled by the urgent health crisis reported by U.S. medical professionals returning from Gaza. They conveyed serious shortages of basic medical supplies and equipment, emphasizing the normalization of violence against healthcare workers. "We have normalized the killing of health care workers—it's going to be a problem worldwide," said Dr. Thaer Ahmad, who recently returned from the region.
Meanwhile, the political discourse around the conflict has intensified. U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated controversial suggestions for the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, stating, "They will do it. We do a lot for them, and they're going to do it." This proposal has faced strong pushback from both countries, firmly rejecting any notion of ethnic cleansing or forced relocation.
Both humanitarian aid workers and health professionals warn of the urgent need for international response to avert the looming crisis. With over two million Palestinians requiring immediate assistance due to collapsed agricultural production, experts urge immediate action. The situation has been described as one of the largest cases of ecocide in recent history, with both local and international observers calling for decisive intervention.
To carry out effective risk reduction and recovery strategies, the FAO emphasizes the necessity of initiating early recovery efforts as soon as ceasefire conditions are stable. Such measures are pivotal to addressing food security and restoring agricultural systems.
The situation remains dire, reflecting the intersecting crises of health, food security, and human rights violations prevailing within Gaza. The international community is being urged to respond with sufficient aid and support to facilitate recovery and rebuild the lives and livelihoods shattered by the conflict.