Gaza’s Agricultural Collapse Leaves Lasting Barriers to Food Security and Recovery

April 28, 2026

After more than two years of continuous bombardment, displacement, and severe restrictions on land access, Gaza’s agricultural system has effectively collapsed. New analysis by Mercy Corps shows that only 4% of cropland remains both accessible and undamaged, while 96% of farmland and critical agricultural infrastructure, including greenhouses, wells, and irrigation systems, has been destroyed or rendered inaccessible. 

 Soil contamination from explosive remnants and heavy metals, coupled with widespread water system degradation, has further undermined the viability of farming. Together, these factors left local food production at a standstill, contributing directly to the famine conditions confirmed in 2025. 

The data underscores that this is not a temporary disruption but a systemic breakdown. Only 7% of agricultural infrastructure remains functional, while rising salinity, wastewater infiltration, and damaged wells continue to degrade already fragile water resources. Even in a ceasefire scenario, recovery will be severely constrained by contamination, unexploded ordnance, and ongoing restrictions on essential inputs and materials. As a result, Gaza’s population is likely to remain heavily dependent on external food assistance for years to come. 

Mercy Corps Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, Kate Phillips-Barrasso, said: 

“The scale of destruction is unlike anything we’ve seen in previous conflicts. An agricultural system cannot function when 96% of its land is damaged or inaccessible, and when soil, water, and infrastructure are simultaneously compromised. This level of destruction goes beyond a crisis. It represents the collapse of a food system and the erosion of people’s ability to sustain themselves. 

“Recovery is technically possible, but it is neither quick nor guaranteed. It requires safe access to land, large-scale decontamination, and the consistent entry of essential materials to rebuild water, energy, and agricultural systems. Without these conditions, Gaza will remain trapped in prolonged food insecurity and dependency.” 

Since October 2023, Mercy Corps and our local partners have reached approximately 400,000 people in Gaza with emergency support - including food, cash, hygiene supplies, clean water, shelter kits, emergency livelihoods assistance, and psychosocial support. We are currently scaling cash, livelihoods, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities to support additional vulnerable families across the Gaza Strip. Mercy Corps remains poised to deliver thousands of additional lifesaving kits and supplies, which could support over 160,000 people directly, however these items remain blocked from entry by the Israeli government. Mercy Corps’ highly experienced Palestinian team in Gaza remains at the forefront of implementation, ensuring the consistent delivery of impactful, timely, and principled support to affected communities. 

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