Status of the Poultry Sector in the ‎Gaza Strip Amid the Genocide

99% of Gaza's poultry sector destroyed, Palestinian NGOs warn of famine

A new factsheet released by the Agriculture Sector of the Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO) reveals that Gaza's poultry sector has suffered unprecedented destruction since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, with 99% of poultry stock lost and production capacity nearly entirely halted.

The factsheet, titled "Status of the Poultry Sector in the ‎Gaza Strip Amid the Genocide" documents that before the war, the sector included approximately 2,500 broiler farms producing 22 million chickens annually, 250 layer farms producing 200 million eggs per year, 22 hatcheries, and 5 feed mills.

Key findings include:

• 90% mortality among broiler and layer chickens.
• 20 out of 22 hatcheries destroyed.
• All 5 feed mills completely destroyed.
• Total collapse of the turkey sector, with 1 million birds lost annually.
• Economic losses exceeding $232 million USD, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

The factsheet warns that this systematic destruction has led to acute food insecurity, with 22% of the population in Phase 5 (famine level) according to the IPC classification. At least 263 deaths due to starvation and malnutrition have been recorded, including 112 children.

The Israeli occupation has imposed a tight siege, banning fresh meat, eggs, and live poultry, and allowing only limited quantities of frozen meat intermittently – described by human rights organizations as "a systematic policy of starvation."

Recovery Challenges
Although 250 poultry farms and 50 turkey farms could be partially reactivated, major challenges remain:

• Electricity cuts and fuel shortages.
• Lack of animal feed and water (over 87% of water wells damaged).
• Absence of veterinary medicines and vaccines.

International Law Violations
The factsheet classifies the destruction of Gaza's poultry sector as a war crime under International Humanitarian Law, particularly Article 55 of Additional Protocol I and Article 54 which prohibits starvation as a method of warfare, calling for international legal prosecution.

Urgent Recommendations

• Prioritize the poultry sector in humanitarian response and reconstruction plans.
• Allow immediate, unrestricted entry of animal feed, veterinary medicines, fuel, and solar energy systems.
• Support local civil society organizations in early recovery programs.
• Systematically document damages for legal accountability and compensation.

The factsheet concludes that "the destruction of the poultry sector is not merely economic damage but part of a systematic policy to undermine civilians' ability to survive, violating the rights to life, food, and health."

To view the full document or download a copy, click here.