Gaza farmer returns to Sheikh Ijlin grape fields after three years of war

After nearly three years of conflict that devastated much of the region’s agricultural sector, a local farmer has resumed work in the famed grape fields of Sheikh Ijlin, a valley celebrated for its high‑quality vines and historic wine production. The farmer, who has cultivated the terraces for three generations, arrived on the hillside last week to assess damage, clear debris and begin replanting vines that were left untended during the hostilities.

Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that the return of growers to Sheikh Ijlin marks a broader effort to revive the country’s rural economy, with plans to provide seedlings, irrigation equipment and technical assistance to affected farms. Early reports indicate that while a portion of the vineyards suffered from shelling and water shortages, the majority of the vines remain viable, allowing a gradual restoration of output that could resume within the next harvest season. The farmer’s comeback underscores both the resilience of the local community and the government’s commitment to rebuilding the sector after years of disruption.