Farming Under Siege

Because of the blockade, farmers cannot freely import seeds, fertilizers, or modern tools. Even reaching their own lands near the borders can be dangerous, as many agricultural areas are considered “restricted zones.”
Each day, farmers risk their lives tending to crops that might never reach the market.

Water scarcity makes it worse. Many wells have been destroyed, and irrigation systems are outdated or damaged. Still, farmers improvise — using recycled water, building small greenhouses, and sharing what little they have with neighbors.

The Economic Struggle

Before the blockade, agriculture was one of Gaza’s strongest industries. It provided income to thousands of families. Today, however, most farmers struggle just to break even.
They face soaring costs for materials and have limited access to external markets. Sometimes, fresh produce rots because exporting outside Gaza is nearly impossible.

But despite these hardships, farming remains one of the few ways families can sustain themselves. Every planted seed carries hope that one day the land will be free again.

Resilience Rooted in the Soil

What’s remarkable is that many young Gazans are returning to farming — not for money, but for dignity. They see farming as a way to reclaim identity and connection to the land. Women, too, play a huge role — cultivating rooftop gardens, growing herbs, and feeding their families despite shortages.

Each act of cultivation, no matter how small, becomes a quiet protest against isolation and destruction.

Final Thoughts

In Gaza, farmers are more than workers — they are guardians of life. Their struggle is not only about food but also about identity, perseverance, and freedom.

Share their story. Every crop that grows in Gaza is a reminder that even under siege, hope continues to bloom.

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