The contribution of the Gaza envelope region to Israel's food security.

Abstract

Armed conflicts can have severe implications on food security by displacing farmers, destroying farms and agricultural infrastructure, disrupting supply chains, and limiting the ability of governance to control the highly volatile food markets. Here, we aim to understand the impact of the current Israel-Hamas War on local food production in Israel. Our analysis focused on challenges in food production in the Gaza Envelope region, the region in Israel that borders the Gaza Strip that has been significantly affected by the conflict. Our goals were to understand the agricultural significance of the region- both regarding crop diversity and the risks posed to individual crops due to the conflict, and to assess the nutritional contribution of the region's agricultural output. We found that the Gaza Envelope region is crucial for the propagation of several key crops, notably cherry tomatoes, radishes, and sweet potatoes. Furthermore, we identified 16 crops whose local production is particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to conflict, including radishes and potatoes. The nutritional output of the edible crops of the Gaza Envelope region is extensive and produces over 50% of the annual energetic requirements of the Israeli population. Beyond the caloric contribution, the produce of the region is nutrient-dense, exceeding 100% of the annual Dietary Reference Intakes for the Israeli population of 12 vital nutrients. These 12 nutrients include dietary fiber, six vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K, and five minerals including Potassium and Iron. Based on these findings, we suggest that the Israel-Hamas War also has detrimental ramifications on local food production in Israel.