In Khan Younis, a Palestinian farmer named Mohammed* stands as a symbol of resilience, defying a grim reality imposed by war. The eastern area of the Gaza Strip was once known as the “vegetable basket” of the Strip. Now it lies in ruins. Greenhouses have been destroyed, crops reduced to ash, and fertile fields scarred by missiles and tank shells.
Yet, Mohammed refuses to surrender to despair. With worn hands and an unyielding spirit, he began the painstaking process of restoring his burnt greenhouses. His first step was planting tomatoes, a courageous act of defiance against destruction. However, his journey to revive his land has been fraught with challenges. Seeds, once abundant, have become scarce, only available on the black market at exorbitant prices. Fertilizers and agricultural chemicals essential for cultivation are nearly impossible to obtain. But the greatest hurdle lies in securing water. Drawing it from the underground wells requires fuel, a resource that has become as unattainable as peace itself under the suffocating blockade.
Despite these overwhelming obstacles, Mohammed perseveres. He works tirelessly, improvises solutions, and clings to hope.
Through his struggle, he sends a poignant message to the world: “This land is my life. I will never abandon it, no matter the circumstances. I call on the world to see the suffering of Gaza’s farmers, to end this war, and to give us the freedom to cultivate our land as we wish.”
*For security reasons, we are using only Mohammed’s first name.
