Only 3% of Gaza's cropland remains usable for farming

Amid the continuing violence in Gaza, farmers are confronting a growing crisis of land security as they attempt to cultivate crops. The region’s agricultural sector, already strained by limited arable land, is now facing additional obstacles from shelling, unexploded ordnance, and the displacement of communities that have traditionally relied on small plots for subsistence and income.

Local authorities report that many fields lie in areas of active conflict or near military checkpoints, making it dangerous for workers to enter. In addition, the destruction of irrigation infrastructure and the lack of reliable water supply further hinder productive farming. Efforts by humanitarian groups to map safe zones and provide protective measures have met with limited success, as the dynamic front lines and sporadic airstrikes continue to shift the boundaries of what can be considered secure for agricultural activity.

The situation underscores the broader impact of the conflict on civilian livelihoods. While international agencies are coordinating emergency food assistance, the long‑term viability of Gaza’s agricultural economy remains uncertain until hostilities subside and the region can restore stable, safe land for cultivation.