Less than 5% of Gaza’s cropland remains usable after months of conflict, leaving over 2 million people at risk of starvation. 

New satellite analysis from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNOSAT reveals that over 80% of Gaza’s cropland has been damaged, with just 688 hectares (4.6%) still cultivatable. The worst-hit areas, Rafah and northern Gaza, have almost no accessible farmland left. Greenhouses and wells—essential for food production—have also been devastated, with 71% of greenhouses and 83% of agricultural wells destroyed.

This destruction has brought local food systems to a standstill, worsening an already dire hunger crisis. A recent IPC report states that 93% of Gaza’s population (1.95 million people) now faces crisis-level hunger or worse, with 244,000 in catastrophic famine conditions (IPC Phase 5). Without urgent intervention, 470,000 could face starvation by September 2025.

Beth Bechdol

Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General, said: “This is not just a loss of infrastructure—it’s a collapse of Gaza’s agrifood system. Rebuilding will require massive investment to restore both livelihoods and hope.” The FAO estimates over $2 billion in agricultural damages, with recovery costs potentially exceeding $4.2 billion.

Humanitarian access remains critical, but aid restrictions by Israel and ongoing conflict continue to hinder relief efforts.