Gaza Olive Industry Collapses Amid Military Restrictions
Gaza's olive industry has collapsed due to land destruction and military restrictions, with production plummeting and prices tripling for local families.
The olive industry in the Gaza Strip has effectively collapsed following widespread destruction of agricultural land and the imposition of military restrictions. Gaza Agriculture Authorities report that only 150,000 of the original two million olive trees remain standing, with most orchards either bulldozed or located beyond the Israeli-controlled yellow line. This boundary was established under a ceasefire plan initiated by Donald Trump on October 10, 2025.
Production has plummeted from 40,000 tons to approximately 5,000 tons, while olive oil output is projected to fall from 5,000 tons to just 700 tons. These shortages have tripled the price of olive oil to nearly $500 per drum, making a primary household staple unaffordable for many families. Processing infrastructure has suffered similar declines, with only seven of the previous 40 olive presses remaining operational.
Farmers in areas such as Deir al-Balah, Bureij, and Maghazi report yield declines of 70% to 80% and critical shortages of fertilizer and irrigation water. The Ministry of Agriculture of Gaza estimates total agricultural sector losses at over $3 billion, noting that approximately 87% of agricultural land has been damaged. These losses have eliminated seasonal employment for laborers and disrupted a central Palestinian cultural tradition.
