A food crisis in Israel and the deterioration of agriculture due to the Gaza war – the seventh day

A report revealed food losses in Israel, the loss of nearly 2.87 million tons of food during the year 2023, with a total value of 24.3 billion shekels (equivalent to $ 6.6 billion) due to the war in Gaza and the increasing hunger throughout the country.

A report – based on statements from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics reported by the Israeli newspaper “Ijao Ahronoth” today / Monday – that the war added economic losses of 1.6 billion shekels (equivalent to 437 million dollars) during the first nine months of fighting, including approximately (273 million dollars) of direct food losses, ($ 55 million) of environmental damage, and (101 million Dollar) of health costs due to increased food insecurity.

The agricultural sector in Israel was severely damaged, with 32 % of agricultural lands in the fighting areas in the south and north, and the sharp decline in the number of foreign workers led to up to 59 % during the first months of the war to a loss of 251 thousand tons of agricultural products, which is enough food to feed hundreds of thousands of families during this critical period.

The report also indicated that 1.5 million Israelis are currently suffering from food insecurity, and this number is expected to rise sharply due to the current security and economic situation.

The economy incur 5.5 billion shekels (equivalent to $ 1.5 billion) annually, additional health care costs related to malnutrition.

While the report noted that approximately half of the total wasted and rescue -rescue foods, and can meet the needs of food security for all citizens, especially the weak population groups, while reducing the expanded social gaps.

The report estimated that food losses are equivalent to about one -fifth of the expanded Israeli defense budget, and that the cost of losing food ultimately lies with the public, which increases the financial burden that exacerbated the war.

The report emphasizes the importance of food security at normal times and in emergency situations.

It should be noted that one US dollar equals 3.66 Israeli shekels.

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