The Israeli occupation’s aggression on Palestinian territories has resulted in irreplaceable human losses and substantial economic setbacks arising from the destruction of infrastructure, particularly affecting the agricultural and animal sectors.
Researchers worldwide have conducted several studies to assess the impact of wars and the use of weapons on agricultural activities and soil efficiency, confirming the detrimental effects of armed conflict on agriculture in conflict zones due to various factors.
The repercussions of armed assaults extend beyond the borders of the affected lands, affecting the global food production chain, as demonstrated by the significant increase in prices of key food commodities worldwide as a result of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
A report by “Science News” in June 2022 highlighted the severe damage to the Ukrainian agricultural sector due to the Russian-Ukrainian war, with the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization forecasting the failure of around 20% of winter crops and a nearly 50% decrease in wheat yields.
Furthermore, a study investigating the significant changes in the soil of Verdun, France, following World War I revealed alterations in water flow patterns and plant growth due to bomb-induced soil disturbances.
Another report by “The Economist” revealed the lasting damage to Cambodia’s agricultural sector 52 years after American bombings, leading to farmers avoiding cultivation in areas with bomb remnants, resulting in reduced yields and productivity.
Director-General Eman Jarar, of the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, confirmed daily agricultural sector losses of around $2 million due to halted production.
The president of the farmers’ union, Haj Azam, emphasized the grave impact of Israeli attacks on agricultural crops and animal husbandry, leading to significant losses and the displacement of farmers from their lands.
Moreover, the interviews with the local farmers indicated the severe risks they face, enduring continuous attacks and forced displacement.
The situation has led to widespread destruction of agricultural land and a looming food crisis, making communication with local farmers impossible, as their focus is solely on survival.
The devastating impact on agricultural and animal wealth in Gaza, painstakingly documented by the late engineer Nabil Abu Khater, serves as a somber reminder of the catastrophic repercussions of armed conflict on this vital sector.
