Full Breakdown
Gaza’s Usable Farmland Shrinks to 3% Amid Ongoing Conflict
8/19/2026, 11:38:06 PM
FAO Assessment Shows Drastic Decline in Accessible, Undamaged Cropland
Satellite imagery analyzed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) indicates that only 448 hectares—about 3 % of Gaza’s cropland—were both accessible and undamaged as of 24 June 2026, a 25.5 % drop from October 2025.
Overall, 4,091 hectares (27 % of the Strip’s cropland) remained reachable, but 3,643 hectares were damaged and need rehabilitation. The most severe loss of access occurred in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, while 97.2 % of Rafah’s cropland and 98.4 % of its greenhouse area were inaccessible.
Background & Context
The conflict began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel. Israel’s subsequent offensive has subjected Gaza to repeated air strikes, shelling and naval fire, restricting movement and damaging infrastructure.
A cease-fire declared in October 2025 introduced the “Yellow Line,” separating a cease-fire zone from Israeli-controlled military areas. Expansion of this line has been identified by the FAO as the primary driver of reduced farmland access since the cease-fire.
Data & Statistics
- 448 ha – accessible and undamaged (24 June 2026)
- 601 ha – accessible and undamaged (Oct 2025)
- 4,091 ha – accessible (27 % of total cropland)
- 3,643 ha – accessible but damaged, needing rehabilitation
- 97.2 % of Rafah cropland and 98.4 % of its greenhouse area inaccessible
- Agriculture accounted for about 10 % of Gaza’s economy before the escalation, supporting more than 560,000 people
Official Statements & Responses
FAO called for urgent restoration of safe access, the entry of essential agricultural supplies (seeds, fertilisers, irrigation equipment, fuel), and rehabilitation of damaged fields to prevent collapse of local food production. It also highlighted chronic shortages of livestock feed and veterinary supplies.
On-the-Ground Reports
Tomato and cucumber grower Taysir Dahdouh said the war left his family with nothing, and they have managed to rehabilitate about one dunum (?0.1 ha) of land using basic tools. Fellow farmer Wajiha Dahdouh noted the lack of water, fertilisers and seeds.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This latest assessment paints a stark picture of the continued deterioration of Gaza’s agriculture sector,” — Rein Paulsen, Director of FAO’s Office of Emergencies and Resilience
- “The loss of access to farmland is further shrinking the space available for farmers to produce food, even where agricultural assets remain physically intact,” — Rein Paulsen
Why It Matters
With over 2 million Gazans now confined to an area less than half the size of the enclave, the sharp contraction of cultivable land intensifies food-security risks. Agriculture previously provided livelihoods for more than half a million residents; its near-collapse threatens both nutrition and economic stability.
What’s Next
FAO continues to urge unhindered humanitarian corridors for agricultural inputs and technical assistance to restore damaged fields. Without safe, reliable access and material support, opportunities to revive local food production will keep diminishing.
