clear

Creating new perspectives since 2009

Gaza agriculture losses reach $17m due to ongoing Israel offensive

May 17, 2021 at 9:18 am

Two women in Gaza have taken to agriculture to harvest broccoli for sale in the local market in an effort to overcome the besieged enclave’s rising poverty levels [Mohmmad Asad/Middle East Monitor]

Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture Ministry said on Sunday that the losses of the agriculture sector due to the ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza reached $17 million.

In a statement, the ministry said that the losses are increasing day by day due to the retention of the Israeli offensive, which is likely targeting hundreds of dunams of farmlands intentionally.

The ministry also noted that the Israeli strikes directly targeted tens of agriculture facilities and storehouses for agricultural inputs.

Meanwhile, the ministry stated that wheat fields, poultry farms, and livestock were the most affected sectors, mainly due to the inability of the farmers to reach their farms and work.

READ: Gaza suffers $1.5m losses after Israel causes floods

The ministry stated that if the crossing did not open or allow animal food to enter the Gaza Strip, there would be a disaster facing the poultry and livestock sectors.

Regarding fishing, the main cause of the losses is the blockade imposed on the fishermen who are being prevented from entering the sea.