Gaza warns of ‘catastrophe’ over animal feed shortage

The Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture today warned of a “catastrophe” in the Gaza Strip due to a shortage of animal feed as a result of the Israeli blockade on the territory.

“A major disaster will hit the animal production sector in Gaza due to the lack of fodder needed to feed the animals,” the ministry said in a statement.

It said that the shortage of feed has caused the death of thousands of poultry and livestock in the Palestinian territory.

“This was caused by Israel’s refusal to allow fodder through the Karm Abu Salem [Kerem Shalom] commercial crossing since the launch of its military aggression on May 10,” the ministry said, going on to call for piling pressure on Israel to allow the entry of fodder and grains into the blockaded enclave.

Israel began a bombing campaign against Gaza on 10 May killing over 170 people, including 67 children, and injuring thousands more. A ceasefire came into effect on 21 May.

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