Ministry Warns of Deterioration of Food Security in Gaza

Gaza, MINA – Director of Planning and Policy Department at the Gaza Ministry of Agriculture, Nabil Abu Shammala, said on Sunday that food security has deteriorated in the Gaza Strip by 70%.

Abu Shammala explained in an online interview that this serious deterioration is closely linked to the decline in purchasing power and per capita income and the high rates of unemployment caused by the 11-year blockade  imposed on the Gaza Strip, PIC reported.

He pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture is following a strategic plan for monitoring sale and purchase movement in the market, adding that the Ministry prevents the import of goods available in the Gaza Strip and urges instead the import of other needed goods in an effort to achieve autarky.

The Palestinian official touched on the restrictions and obstacles imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities on the import and export traffic, affirming that his Ministry is operating under very complicated conditions.

He noted that the current electricity crisis has led to heavy losses for the farmers due to the lack of water needed to irrigate crops.

About 11 years ago, the Israeli occupation authorities imposed a strict blockade on the Gaza Strip. All crossings connecting the coastal enclave with the outside world have been closed since then and they are opened partially in exceptional cases for the entry of goods and passengers.(T/R04/RS5)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)