Impact of Land Expropriation on Food Security in the West Bank

The recent developments in the West Bank indicate a significant appropriation of land in the region, categorized under the guise of state-owned properties. However, the targeting of this land extends beyond mere geographical control; it also jeopardizes the food security of thousands of families, disrupting their livelihoods and threatening the balance of food resources in the West Bank.

Decisions made by the occupying regime’s authorities come at a time when the agricultural sector in the Gaza Strip is under severe strain, experiencing destruction of crops, land leveling, restricted access for farmers to agricultural lands, and limitations on water resources.The escalation of attacks by the occupiers has reached alarming levels with approximately 777 trees predominantly olive trees being cut down between February 5 and February 11 2026. The estimated damage from these actions amounts to $700000 with most incidents occurring in Hebron and Nablus.

The conditions are such that the development of settlements is not limited to residential units but also involves altering agricultural infrastructure imposing restrictions on fertile land and reducing the area of agricultural land particularly in areas that constitute 60% of the West Bank.

According to statistics provided by various sources the current land confiscation primarily affects the northern and central Jordan Valley surrounding Salfit Bethlehem and southern Hebron. The direct economic impacts of these actions have resulted in a 5 to 7 percent decrease in Gross Domestic Product with losses in 2025 estimated to reach $103 million.