started · updated
Gaza cropland: Only 3% remains accessible and undamaged, UN warns
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) have warned that only 3% of Gaza's cropland remains both accessible and undamaged. Satellite analysis indicates that the area of usable, undamaged farmland fell from 601 hectares in October 2025 to 448 hectares by late June 2026, representing a 25.5% decline.
An additional 3,643 hectares of cropland are currently accessible but are too damaged to be farmed without significant rehabilitation. Greenhouse availability has also seen a decline, dropping 17.3% since October 2025 to 224 hectares. In the southern region of Rafah, the situation is particularly severe, with over 97% of arable land no longer accessible to farmers.
The UN attributes this loss of access primarily to the westward expansion of the 'Yellow Line,' which separates the ceasefire zone from areas controlled by the Israeli military. Furthermore, restrictions on the import of agricultural goods, including animal feed and veterinary supplies, are hindering recovery efforts. Rein Paulsen, director of the FAO's Office of Emergencies and Resilience, warned that without urgent intervention to restore access and support farmers, local food production capabilities will continue to diminish.
Entities
Food and Agriculture Organization · Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations · Gaza · Gaza Strip · Israel · Rein Paulsen · United Nations · United Nations Satellite Centre
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Prior to October 2023, agriculture supported over 560,000 livelihoods and accounted for approximately 10% of Gaza's economy. arynews.tv · www.newarab.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] In the Rafah region, over 97% of arable land is no longer accessible. www.insider.gr · athina984.gr
- [● 4 SOURCES] The reduction in land access is attributed to the westward expansion of the 'Yellow Line' separating the ceasefire zone from Israeli-controlled areas. www.insider.gr · arynews.tv · athina984.gr · www.newarab.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Gaza health ministry reports that Israel's military campaign has killed more than 73,000 people. arynews.tv · www.newarab.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Only 3% of Gaza's cropland is currently accessible and undamaged. www.insider.gr · arynews.tv · athina984.gr · www.newarab.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] An additional 3,643 hectares of cropland are accessible but require rehabilitation before they can be farmed. arynews.tv · www.newarab.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Undamaged and accessible cropland decreased from 601 hectares in October 2025 to 448 hectares by late June 2026. www.insider.gr · arynews.tv · athina984.gr · www.newarab.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Undamaged greenhouse availability dropped 17.3 percent since October 2025 to 224 hectares. arynews.tv · www.newarab.com