BETHLEHEM, West Bank (PNN) —

A new episode of Al-Makshouf, a programme produced by Palestine News Network (PNN) and presented by journalist Sara Rizk, examined the devastating impact of the destruction of Gaza’s agricultural sector, including damage to farmland and crops, shortages of agricultural supplies and soaring production costs. The programme explored how these challenges are undermining farmers’ livelihoods and threatening food security.

The episode focused on individual initiatives through which people are trying to restore their ability to produce despite the conditions created by the war. One of the stories featured Mahmoud Sikkik, who lost both legs during the war and is trying to turn his passion for gardening into a small business to support his family.

The programme also examined the losses suffered by grape growers as a result of land clearance, the destruction of vines and shortages of fertilisers and agricultural pesticides. It further explored efforts to support farmers in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

Small-scale agricultural initiatives seek to restore production

Speaking on the programme, Ahed Zanabit, director of the Palestinian Agricultural Relief office, said the organisation had worked on around 100 small-scale agricultural initiatives in Gaza, aiming to help families and farmers regain their productive capacity and revive agricultural activity amid extremely difficult conditions.

Zanabit said the organisation was willing to assess the possibility of providing financial or logistical assistance to Sikkik’s initiative, or offering agricultural guidance to help him develop his project. He invited Sikkik to contact the organisation to discuss potential support.

He identified a lack of funding, difficulties reaching beneficiaries, shortages of agricultural supplies and rising prices as the main obstacles to implementing agricultural interventions. He stressed that the scale of needs in Gaza required coordinated efforts by government bodies, civil society organisations and other institutions.

Grape growers face mounting losses and shortages of essential supplies

The programme examined the decline in grape production in Gaza and the resulting reduction in seasonal employment linked to growing, harvesting and marketing the fruit. Farmers are facing mounting losses amid the destruction of farmland and vines, alongside rising costs for fertilisers and pesticides needed to protect their crops.

Zanabit said restrictions on the entry of agricultural inputs were obstructing the recovery of the sector. He explained that, within the limits of available resources, the Palestinian Agricultural Relief organisation was working to provide fertilisers, irrigation networks and plastic greenhouses to help farmers resume agricultural activities.

He stressed that shortages of supplies and difficulties bringing them into Gaza were limiting efforts to rehabilitate damaged farmland. He called for stronger support measures to help farmers return to their land and recover their sources of income.

‘We Are With You’: Supporting olive growers in the West Bank

The episode also explored the Palestinian Agricultural Relief organisation’s efforts to support olive growers in the occupied West Bank through its We Are With You campaign. The initiative aims to assist farmers through voluntary activities and the provision of tools and supplies needed to maintain farmland and olive trees during the harvest season.

Zanabit said the interventions included providing equipment to help farmers clear and weed their land, prune olive trees and harvest olives. Particular attention is given to areas that are difficult to access and communities where farmers face attacks by settlers.

He stressed the importance of helping farmers protect their land and olive trees, which are not only a source of income and a cornerstone of the agricultural economy, but are also deeply connected to Palestinian land and identity.

The episode highlighted that restoring agricultural activity requires more than individual initiatives. It depends on access to essential supplies, funding and agricultural guidance, alongside expanded field support to help farmers resume production and protect their livelihoods in Gaza and the West Bank.

This video was produced with financial support from CFI, Expertise France and the European Union. The beneficiary bears full responsibility for the content of this document, which may not be considered in any way to reflect the views of CFI, Expertise France or the European Union.