More than 86 percent of agricultural land in Gaza has been damaged during the recent war, according to a new report by the Palestinian Center for Policy Research, which warns that emergency responses alone are no longer sufficient and urges a shift toward sustainable development planning.

The findings were published in a policy paper titled “Rehabilitation of Agricultural Land in Gaza after the 2023–2025 War: Between Risk Removal, Recovery Challenges, and the Future of Rebuilding the Agricultural System,” prepared by researcher Khaled Abu Amer.

The study highlights the scale of devastation across the agricultural sector, noting that the damage extends beyond crops and infrastructure to include soil quality, water resources, and the broader ecosystem, factors that significantly complicate recovery efforts.

According to the report, more than 86 percent of farmland has been affected, alongside a near-total collapse of water systems and livestock production, further undermining food security in the territory.

While some rehabilitation projects are underway through local and international initiatives, the study notes that most efforts remain limited to land preparation, without completing the full production cycle due to shortages in agricultural inputs, energy, and funding.

The report also reviews past reconstruction efforts in Gaza, pointing to a recurring pattern of “partial recovery” that reproduces structural vulnerability, driven by ongoing blockade restrictions, limited funding, and the absence of comprehensive environmental solutions.

Researchers warn of a severe funding gap, with available resources covering less than 10 percent of immediate needs, while the total cost of comprehensive reconstruction is estimated to exceed $4.2 billion.

The center stressed the need for a holistic development approach that addresses both political and environmental challenges, aiming to rebuild Gaza’s agricultural system in a way that strengthens long-term resilience for Palestinian communities.

Source:Websites