Less than 5% of Gaza’s farmland Is usable: What happens next?

Less than five per cent of the Gaza Strip’s farmland remains available for farming, worsening the risk of famine for its 2.1 million residents. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) released a joint report on Monday showing the extent of damage and inaccessibility to farmland caused by ongoing conflict.

Gaza farmland damaged, food risk

The report said only 4.6 per cent of Gaza’s cropland—about 688 hectares out of 15,053 hectares—remains usable. Meanwhile, 80.8 per cent of farmland is damaged, and 77.8 per cent is inaccessible to farmers due to restrictions imposed by Israeli forces. The situation is especially severe in Rafah and northern Gaza, where nearly all farmland is out of reach.

FAO and UNOSAT used high-resolution satellite images to compare the current situation with pre-conflict conditions. The report found that 71.2 per cent of greenhouses in Gaza are damaged. Rafah shows the highest increase in greenhouse damage, rising from 57.5 per cent in December 2024 to 86.5 per cent in April 2025. The Gaza governorate has all of its greenhouses damaged.

According to the latest geospatial assessment carried out by @FAO and @UNOSAT only 4.6% of cropland area in Gaza is available for cultivation, 80.8% is damaged, and 77.8% is not accessible as a result of Israel's genocidal policies. There are no survival means in blockaded Gaza. pic.twitter.com/IsfBFCkBs9

— Nicola Perugini (@PeruginiNic) May 26, 2025

Agricultural wells also suffered heavy damage. The report says 82.8 per cent of wells are damaged, up from 67.7 per cent in December 2024.

Gaza’s food system collapses fast

Beth Bechdol, FAO’s Deputy Director-General, said, “This level of destruction is not just a loss of infrastructure – it is a collapse of Gaza’s agrifood system and lifelines. What once provided food, income, and stability for hundreds of thousands is now in ruins. Local food production has ceased due to the destruction of cropland, greenhouses, and wells. Rebuilding will require massive investment—and a sustained commitment to restore both livelihoods and hope.”

Before the conflict, agriculture made up around 10 per cent of Gaza’s economy. More than 560,000 people relied partly or fully on farming, herding, or fishing.

The FAO estimated earlier this year that the damage and losses to Gaza’s agriculture since fighting began in 2023 total over $2 billion. This includes $835 million in damages and $1.3 billion in losses. Recovery and reconstruction will need about $4.2 billion, a figure likely to rise as the conflict continues.

The FAO and UNOSAT report follows the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released this month. The IPC warns that the entire population of Gaza faces a critical risk of famine after 19 months of conflict, displacement, and restricted aid.

Millions face hunger, IPC warns

The IPC report said from April 1 to May 10, 2025, 93 per cent of Gaza’s population—about 1.95 million people—were in crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above). This includes 925,000 people (44 per cent) in emergency (Phase 4) and 244,000 (12 per cent) in catastrophe (Phase 5). The Phase 5 population faces starvation and catastrophic food insecurity.

The report projects that from May to September 2025, 470,000 people (22 per cent) will be in Phase 5.

The FAO called for “the immediate restoration of humanitarian access and the lifting of blockades” to prevent widespread famine.

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said Palestinians in Gaza are “enduring what may be the cruellest phase of this cruel conflict,” adding that families are “starved and denied the very basics."

Guterres outlined a five-stage plan to deliver lifesaving aid to Gaza but emphasised that the UN will not support any plan that violates international law or humanitarian principles.

Israeli authorities recently allowed a limited amount of aid into Gaza. Still, humanitarian groups say the flow of supplies is insufficient and fails to reach the most vulnerable.

Israeli airstrikes continue daily, killing dozens in Gaza. On Monday, Israeli forces bombed a school used as a shelter in Gaza City, killing at least 36 Palestinians, including children, and igniting a fire.

Health officials reported over 50 deaths across Gaza from Israeli attacks since dawn.

The FAO and UNOSAT report underscores the urgent need to restore farming and food supplies in Gaza. Without immediate action, the risk of famine will grow, threatening millions already suffering from the conflict.

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