28/01/2025
After a ceasefire took effect in the Gaza Strip, Fadl Nabhan, an agricultural engineering student, launched a tree-planting initiative in the Bureij and Nuseirat refugee camps. The aim of the initiative is to help Gaza recover from the extensive damage caused by Israeli airstrikes during the recent conflict.
The initiative follows the devastating loss of 85% of Gaza’s vegetation cover, which has left the region’s agricultural sector in ruins. Nabhan is calling for a return to agricultural practices and greater social responsibility to help restore Gaza’s land. He emphasized that even planting a single tree could significantly contribute to revitalizing Palestinian territories.
Speaking to Anadolu on Monday, January 27, Nabhan stated “The occupation (Israeli army) has razed many lands and bombed many trees, so nothing is left in the Gaza Strip. We need to rebuild it from scratch."
Nabhan's campaign seeks to inspire others to join the effort to restore Gaza’s agricultural lands, particularly in areas such as Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia. These areas, once known for producing crops like strawberries, potatoes, and onions, have been left barren following the conflict. The young man believes that it could take a year or two for the agricultural sector to recover and return to its former state.
The loss of farmland has not only affected the livelihoods of people in Gaza but also has a serious impact on local wildlife. Nabhan pointed out that animals, such as sheep, no longer have grazing land due to the widespread destruction. "There are no agricultural lands left where even the sheep can graze," he said. "There's still some grass growing, but nothing else, everything has been destroyed because of the dust, cold, and the gas they throw at us. "
Nabhan stressed the importance of self-sufficiency, particularly in providing essential food items like tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and citrus. “We shouldn't rely on imports from abroad," he added.
As Nabhan continues his tree-planting campaign, many children and young people have joined the initiative. The enthusiastic response highlights the desire for change and the belief that even small actions can lead to significant transformations. "People need to be motivated to do what we’re doing. We plant one, and they plant one, and we grow together," Nabhan said, urging others to take part in the project and rekindle the spirit of resilience and cooperation.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Nabhan remains hopeful. "I wish we could get out of this nightmare we're in. We’ve suffered a lot, but those of us still here represent a new beginning," he remarked. "We will rebuild our country, plant trees, clean the land, and repair the damage caused by the destruction."
Looking to the future, Nabhan believes that the recovery of Gaza’s agricultural sector is not just about physical rebuilding, but also about renewing the connection between people and the land. "We will remain, just like the thyme and olive trees. I am a tree, and you are a tree, and together we will rebuild our country from scratch," he concluded.
Writing by Sibel Uygun
