Gaza farmers face risks to revive agricultural fields under Israeli control

Gaza Farmers Face Uncertainty Amid Expanding Buffer Zones

A recent development has left Palestinian farmers in Gaza facing increased risks as Israeli buffer zones expand into their agricultural lands under heavy military control. Following a ceasefire in October, farmer Mohammed al-Slakhy and his family returned to their farms in the Zeitoun area of Gaza City. The farm, which had been damaged during the fighting, was cleared of rubble and prepared for planting.

Mohammed’s farm, which once produced large quantities of vegetables, has suffered significant losses due to the war. Over 22 hectares (54 acres) of farmland were lost, including his entire irrigation network, wells, solar power systems, and desalination plants. The destruction also included more than three hectares (7.5 acres) of greenhouses.

According to a July 2025 report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 80 percent of cropland in Gaza was damaged, with less than 5 percent remaining available for cultivation. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces continue to expand their buffer zones, which have raised concerns among Palestinians that their agricultural lands will be forcibly taken.

Farmers like Mohammed and Eid al-Taaban are facing uncertainty as they try to rebuild and restore their farms. The expansion of the buffer zone has made it difficult for them to access their land, with many areas being closed off due to Israeli military control. In some cases, farmers have reported being fired upon by Israeli tanks while trying to tend to their fields.

The situation is further complicated by the presence of Israeli forces in the area, which can approach and fire randomly. The proximity of these forces to farmland has raised concerns about the safety of Palestinian farmers. As the buffer zones continue to expand, it remains to be seen how this will impact Gaza’s agricultural sector and the livelihoods of its farmers.

Source: Al Jazeera