UN claims only 8.6% of Gaza’s cropland is still accessible

Israel’s air and ground war has destroyed nearly all of Gaza’s food production capabilities, leaving its people reliant on international aid, according to a new study.

A report by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization and the UN satellite center finds that just 8.6% of Gaza’s cropland is still accessible, following sweeping Israeli evacuation orders in recent months. Just 1.5% is accessible and undamaged, it says.

The military offensive and a breakdown in security have made it nearly impossible for anyone to safely deliver aid, and aid groups say recent Israeli measures to facilitate more assistance are far from sufficient.

Israel blames the UN for not delivering aid that entered the Strip and denies that there is a widespread famine in Gaza, but has boosted aid entry in recent weeks.