The UN has said that under 5% of Gaza’s agricultural territory is usable, which heightens the risk of a hunger crisis in Gaza, Middle East Eye via Reuters reported on May 27th.
A joint review published on May 27th by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) identified that more than 80% of agricultural territory in Gaza has been harmed due to Israel’s military assault.
The findings come after the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released its analysis of the Gaza region.
Last week, Israel declared it would permit “minimal” humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to Al Jazeera on May 26th. However, humanitarian organizations caution that the scarce supplies are not reaching Gaza’s population. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes persist in killing dozens of Palestinians daily in Gaza.
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported Gaza faces a severe famine risk, with 22% nearing a humanitarian disaster, Al-Monitor via AFP reported on May 12th. From April 1st to May 10th, about 244,000 people faced level five food insecurity, which is defined as a “catastrophe/famine.” Another 925,000 people were at level four, or “emergency,” according to the IPC.
The joint review said that just 4.6% of the land can be cultivated. According to the FAO, Israel targeting agricultural areas could “further deteriorat[e] food production capacity and exacerbat[e] the risk of famine.”
FAO’s deputy director-general, Beth Bechdol, said the damage could cause the “collapse of Gaza’s agri-food system and of lifelines.” Bechdol also said: “What once provided food, income, and stability for hundreds of thousands is now in ruins. With cropland, greenhouses, and wells destroyed, local food production has ground to a halt.”
Bechdol added: “Rebuilding will require massive investment, and a sustained commitment to restore both livelihoods and hope.”
Al Jazeera, Middle East Eye via Reuters, Al-Monitor via AFP
+ There are no comments
Add yours