Jordanian Initiative Aims to Rehabilitate Gaza's Farms
In the face of the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, humanitarian efforts have surged, showcasing a renewed global commitment to support the Palestinian people. One such initiative is led by the Arab Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan, which has taken up the mantle of 'green resistance.' This initiative focuses on rehabilitating Gaza's agricultural sector by providing essential resources such as seeds and seedlings to sustain basic crops. The goal is to strengthen the connection between Palestinians and their land, thereby promoting food sovereignty amidst dire conditions.
The Importance of Food Sovereignty in Gaza
Razan Zuaiter, the association's president, emphasizes the critical link between agriculture and political independence. “Controlling food means controlling people,” she states, highlighting how the Israeli occupation has utilized starvation as a weapon against the people of Gaza. The association has already reached 162 farmers, rehabilitating 400 dunums of land to ensure productivity. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing siege, their efforts continue through local partners, aiming to restore the agricultural landscape that has been devastated by conflict.
A Legacy of Green Resistance
Since its inception, the Arab Society for the Conservation of Nature has planted over 3 million trees throughout Palestine, countering the destruction caused by military actions. Their current project, which began in March, aims to provide farmers with necessary tools and resources, including vegetable seedlings and irrigation devices. This grassroots initiative is funded solely through donations, rejecting foreign aid to maintain independence. As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, these efforts represent a beacon of hope, striving to cultivate resilience and self-sufficiency among the Palestinian population.
