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 Many wells have been destroyed, and irrigation systems are outdated or damaged.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.

The post The Struggle of Farmers in Blockaded Lands appeared first on Shar Gaza.

Life by the Shore

In the early morning, Gaza’s fishermen head out before dawn, their small wooden boats gliding into the Mediterranean. But they are not free to sail where they want.
Israel’s blockade restricts fishing to a narrow zone — sometimes as little as 6 nautical miles from shore — far from the rich fishing areas they once accessed.

Going beyond this limit can mean arrest, boat confiscation, or even being fired upon. Each trip is not just about earning a living — it’s a test of courage and faith.

Economic Struggles and Scarcity

Because of the blockade, importing nets, engines, and spare parts is almost impossible. Many boats are old and damaged, forcing fishermen to repair them with limited materials.
Their catches have dropped dramatically — from hundreds of tons a month before the blockade to just a fraction today.

Fish prices rise in the local markets, making seafood — once a staple — a rare luxury for many Gazan families. For the fishermen, every day is a gamble between hunger and survival.

The Human Side of the Struggle

Behind every fishing trip, there are stories of fathers teaching sons, of wives waiting by the shore, and of communities built around the rhythm of the waves.
Despite the danger, fishermen say they feel a spiritual connection to the sea — it gives them peace, freedom, and a sense of purpose.

“Even when the sea is closed to us,” one fisherman says, “we still dream of open waters.”

Hope Beyond the Horizon

Some organizations in Gaza now work to support the fishing community — repairing boats, providing training, and documenting violations.
But true relief will only come when Gaza’s fishermen can once again sail freely and provide for their families without fear.

Final Thoughts

Gaza’s fishing industry is more than an economic sector — it’s a symbol of endurance and identity. The waves that crash against Gaza’s shore carry not just salt and wind, but the stories of men who refuse to surrender.

Share their story. Every net cast into Gaza’s sea is an act of defiance, a declaration that life continues — even under blockade.

The post Gaza’s Fishing Industry: A Lifeline Under Threat appeared first on Shar Gaza.