An assault on livelihoods

The recent Israeli assault on Gaza didn’t only target people, it also targeted Gaza’s agriculture sector. Causing nearly $550 million in agricultural losses[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][1], the attack has affected the livelihoods of thousands of Gazans.

Thousands of hectares of farmland have been destroyed, causing a shortage of locally-produced crops. The agricultural infrastructure has also been severely damaged, with greenhouses, irrigation systems, fodder stocks, fishing boats and animal farms all suffering from the attack[2].

In addition to the devastated farmland, Gazan farmers have also lost the majority of their livestock. Over 300,000 animals, including cows, sheep and chickens [3], were either killed by the direct attacks or died from lack of food and water. The fishing sector was not spared. Unable to go to sea at one of the most profitable times of the year, fishermen lost the equivalent of nearly 10% of their annual catch[4].

Despite the ceasefire, which has allowed farmers to re-gain access to their lands, the shortage of food, water and electricity remains an obstacle to food production. Due to these shortages, food prices continue to rise, threatening food security across the Gaza Strip. Before the attacks, food insecurity was already at 57%, a number that can now only increase.

The assault has destroyed the lives of fishermen, farmers, and their families. It will take years for Gaza’s agricultural sector to recover from this level of destruction. Palestinians need our help and support to rebuild their livelihoods.

Interpal’s Qurbani programme will provide many Palestinian families with frozen, canned and fresh meat. This Eid Al Adha, give the gift of Qurbani to Palestinians in need. You can visit www.interpal.org or call us on 0208 961 9993. Thank you.

[1] “This figure includes $350 million of direct losses and $200 million of indirect ones” – Nabil Abu Shamala, Head of policies and planning at the Ministry of Agriculture

[2] Gaza: Damage to agriculture will have long-lasting effects, UN Food and Agriculture Organisation statement

[3] Half of the poultry livestock has been lost

[4] 234.6 tons over the period from July 9th – August 10^th

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