The article “Fatshimetrie” delves into the heartbreaking reality of agricultural land destruction in the Gaza Strip. Recent events have worsened an already dire situation, significantly impacting local farming. The comprehensive analysis provided sheds light on the extensive damage and the measures undertaken by researchers to document this devastation.
In October, farms in Gaza experienced widespread destruction. Prior to the recent conflicts, these lands made up a substantial portion of the enclave’s area. Shocking statistics reveal that between 44% and 52% of orchards have been eradicated, and half of the fields have been flattened. The northern Gaza Strip, in particular, has been severely affected, with nearly half of its agricultural land obliterated.
He Yin, a researcher and geographer at Kent State University, underscores the devastating consequences of this devastation on the agricultural sector. These grim figures paint a stark picture: the land that has sustained generations of Palestinians has been intentionally destroyed. Lucia Rebonilo, a member of the Forensic Architecture investigative group, emphasizes that these destructions are not random occurrences but rather the outcome of a systematic policy. Whether through statistics or satellite images, the evidence collected demonstrates a harsh reality: the obliteration of agricultural land in Gaza is methodical and relentless.
To gauge the extent of the damage, researchers are turning to satellite imagery, a vital tool in a situation where ground access is restricted. He Yin explains the various techniques employed to assess the impact of the conflict on Palestinian lands. High-resolution satellite images, like those from Planet, offer unparalleled precision in mapping Gaza’s farms. Additionally, artificial intelligence is utilized to distinguish different types of agricultural land in the area. This cutting-edge technological approach grants a more detailed insight into the destruction.
This investigation reveals a long history of attacks on Gaza’s agricultural lands, predating the recent events. Since the construction of the wall between Israel and Gaza in 2005, Israeli forces have steadily encroached on Palestinian agricultural land near the border, gradually diminishing cultivable spaces for Gaza’s residents.
Recovering from this agricultural catastrophe will be a lengthy process, with years needed for the sector to rebound and reach its pre-war levels. The repercussions of this destruction extend beyond material losses, profoundly impacting Palestinian livelihoods and their connection to the land. “Fatshimetrie” underscores a poignant yet vital reality, emphasizing the urgency of preserving agricultural land as the cornerstone of the life and identity of local communities.
For more information, please visit the following relevant articles:
– Deadly Escalation: Drone Attacks Between Ukraine and Russia Raise International Concerns
– The Cry of Distress of Civilians in Gaza: An Immeasurable Human Tragedy
– Freedom Day in South Africa: Reflecting on 30 Years of Progress and Challenges
– External Article: Gaza Agriculture: A Victim of War (French)