Since 2014, farmers in Gaza, especially those near the border with Israel, have faced numerous hardships. Their crops have been sprayed with harmful chemicals from the air, bulldozed by Israeli forces, and the farmers themselves have been targeted by snipers. This area, known for its complex system of fences and surveillance, serves as a military buffer zone.

The Recent Invasion and Its Impact

Since October 2023, things have gotten even worse. Israel’s ground invasion has destroyed many of Gaza’s orchards and farmland, targeting both crops and farming infrastructure. This report by Forensic Architecture highlights the ongoing damage to Gaza’s vegetation and how it affects the food security and livelihoods of Palestinians.

The Abu Suffiyeh Family’s Orchards

For a decade, the Abu Suffiyeh family has worked hard to maintain one of the few remaining orchards in Gaza, located in East Jabaliya. Their land, which produced olives, pomegranates, and citrus fruits, was often at risk. Israeli forces claimed any vegetation over one meter high near their military zone was a security threat and needed to be destroyed.

During the 2018 protests known as the Great March of Return, the area around the Abu Suffiyeh farm became a hotspot for demonstrators challenging the occupation. Despite the severe blockade limiting access to water and farming materials, the family’s orchard continued to thrive through dedicated care.

Recent Devastation

Unfortunately, this resilience was no match for the recent military invasion. Satellite images from January 2024 show that the Abu Suffiyeh farm has been wiped out. Bulldozers have flattened the land to build military bases and roads, turning once-productive farmland into a military outpost.

Historical Perspective

Historical aerial photos reveal that before the Israeli occupation in 1967, this area was full of vibrant Palestinian farms. Even after the occupation began and illegal settlements were built, farming continued until the 2000s, when the land was cleared for roads and infrastructure. After the removal of Israeli settlements in 2005, Palestinian farmers like the Abu Suffiyeh family worked to restore their land, despite constant attacks and shortages of essential farming supplies.

The Broader Impact

Before 2023, Gaza had 170 square kilometers of agricultural land, crucial for local food security. However, recent analysis shows that nearly half of Gaza’s farmland has been devastated by the invasion. Remote sensing data reveals that as of March 2024, about 40% of the previously productive agricultural land is now destroyed.

Destruction of Agricultural Infrastructure

The invasion has also targeted critical agricultural infrastructure like greenhouses. Satellite images indicate that almost one-third of Gaza’s greenhouses have been demolished since October 2023. The most significant destruction has occurred in the northern part of Gaza, where 90% of greenhouses were damaged early in the invasion.

The Destructive Path of War

As the Israeli military advances south, the destruction of agricultural land and infrastructure continues. In the southern city of Khan Younis, around 40% of greenhouses have been destroyed since January 2024, leaving thousands of displaced Palestinians without a means to sustain themselves.

A Grim Future

The destruction of farmland and greenhouses is not just collateral damage; it’s part of a deliberate campaign against Gaza’s agriculture. This destruction exacerbates the already dire situation in Gaza, where a severe famine and lack of humanitarian aid are prevalent. Alongside the destruction of medical facilities and other critical infrastructure, this devastation highlights the severe impact of ongoing conflict on everyday life in Gaza.

Recent Updates

As of August 2024, satellite imagery shows that the farms and homes of the Abu Suffiyeh family, and others nearby, have been cleared. A new military road has been constructed, signaling a permanent military presence in northern Gaza. This new road, along with the existing Netzarim Corridor, represents a significant expansion of Israeli military control in the region.

The ongoing destruction of Gaza’s farmlands is a tragic aspect of the broader conflict, impacting the lives and livelihoods of countless Palestinians and leading to severe shortages of essential resources.