The appropriation of Palestinian agricultural lands by Israeli settlers is part of a broader strategy to undermine Palestinian identity and livelihoods.
The increase in grape farming by settlers in the Hebron area highlights the economic implications of land seizures for local farmers.
The destruction of agricultural infrastructure in Gaza poses a significant threat to food security and the local economy.
If current trends continue, the agricultural sector in the West Bank may face further decline, leading to increased food insecurity among Palestinian communities.
The ongoing conflict may prompt international calls for intervention to protect Palestinian agricultural lands and rights.
Future agricultural policies may need to focus on restoring Palestinian access to land and resources to rebuild the sector.
Agricultural Struggles Amid Conflict in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
In the ongoing conflict in the occupied territories, Palestinian farmers are facing significant challenges as Israeli settlers expand their agricultural activities, particularly in the West Bank. The Mansyah family, who owns hundreds of dunams of land near Adh Dhahiriya, has been engaged in confrontations with settlers attempting to seize their land. Since October 7, 2023, the family has been barred from accessing their fields, with settlers reportedly plowing the land despite the family's attempts to reclaim it.
This situation reflects a broader trend in the West Bank, where the establishment of settlement outposts has led to the appropriation of Palestinian agricultural lands. Researchers note a significant increase in grape farming by Israeli settlers in the Hebron Mountains, which not only consumes Palestinian land but also threatens the agricultural identity of the region. Rajih Al-Talahameh from the Land Research Center highlights that these farms are built on lands seized through military orders, exacerbating the challenges faced by Palestinian farmers.
The agricultural sector in the West Bank has suffered devastating losses, with the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture reporting that over 8,200 farmers have been affected since the onset of recent conflicts. Direct damages are estimated at approximately $76 million, including the destruction of olive trees, theft of crops, and restrictions on farmers' access to their fields. Mahmoud Fatafta, a planning director at the Ministry, warns that these actions are indicative of a systematic effort to displace Palestinian farmers and facilitate settler expansion.
In Gaza, the situation is equally dire, with agricultural losses estimated at around $2 billion due to ongoing violence. The Food and Agriculture Organization reports that 68% of agricultural land in Gaza has been destroyed, severely impacting food security and livelihoods. The destruction of essential infrastructure, including greenhouses and water sources, has further compounded the crisis.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in the Palestinian economy, contributing about 7% to the GDP in the West Bank and 11% in Gaza. However, the ongoing conflict and land appropriation threaten the sustainability of this vital sector. As farmers like Amjad Badran express frustration over the lack of support from Palestinian officials, the future of agriculture in both the West Bank and Gaza remains uncertain.
