The ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, now lasting over 14 months, has devastated the agricultural and livestock sectors, transforming the region from self-sufficiency to famine. According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Engineer Mohammed Abu Awda, more than 85% of cultivated land, including vegetable and fruit crops, has been destroyed, while 95% of the livestock sector has been obliterated. The fishing industry has also faced catastrophic losses, with over 97% of boats and fishing equipment rendered unusable.

Before the aggression, Gaza had achieved remarkable food self-sufficiency, producing 300,000 tonnes of vegetables, 100,000 tonnes of fruit, and meeting 98% of its requirements for meat, milk, poultry, and fish. However, the war has brought production to a standstill, resulting in severe food shortages and soaring prices. This has particularly impacted vulnerable groups, including children, women, and the elderly, leading to a surge in health issues such as anaemia and malnutrition.

This famine-like situation is the consequence of a deliberate Israeli policy aimed at destroying Gaza's agricultural infrastructure and starving its population to weaken their resilience. The collapse of food production capacity has deepened the humanitarian crisis, endangering the survival of millions in the region.