The total losses of the agricultural sector as a result of the recent Israeli military offensive are estimated at $204 million, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture in Gaza.  

The ministry said that the farmers were forcibly displaced by Israel’s indiscriminate bombing which prevented them from reaching and working on their land.

“The losses included the destruction of hundreds of acres of vegetable crops and trees as a result of direct targeting, as well as the disruption of water for irrigation purposes,” the ministry explained.

“Livestock owners also incurred losses, as a large number of birds and animals died as a result of the interruption of the supply of animal feed due to the closure of border crossings.”

“There is also an environmental disaster looming in the north of the Gaza Strip, as a result of Israel’s bombing of the warehouses belonging to the supplier of agricultural necessities including fertilizers, pesticides and plastic,” warned officials.

They called on international and human rights institutions to take the necessary steps to address this issue and its likely negative effects on human beings, animals, the environment and public health.