Gaza seed bank strives for food sovereignty amid conflict and blockade

What happened

The Guardian reports on the Al-Qarara Seed Bank, a family-led initiative in Gaza that is rebuilding its collection of local seeds after the original site was destroyed in the early stages of Israel’s military campaign. Founder Salama Ayesh Muhanna and his daughter Hanadi, now displaced to Deir al-Balah, continue to cultivate open-pollinated non-GMO seeds—including local wheat, okra, and spinach—on a small plot near their displacement camp.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The project, established in 2017 near Gaza’s eastern border, was lost when the area was flattened and made inaccessible. Renewed efforts are focused on preserving 'baladi' seeds considered more resilient to drought, pests, and fungi. These local seeds have become vital amid the war’s disruption, the blockade on imports, soaring food prices, and widespread hunger in Gaza.

Supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross, the seed bank distributes seeds to approximately 200 Palestinian farmers in the region, allowing them to plant crops and return a portion of the yield as seed for future use. This system fosters agricultural self-reliance amid Gaza’s worsening humanitarian conditions, where over 1.2 million people face acute food insecurity, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification.

Known from the source

• Al-Qarara Seed Bank was founded in 2017 near Gaza’s eastern border in al-Qarara.
• The original seed bank and Muhanna’s property were destroyed during Israel’s military campaign early in the war.
• Muhanna and his daughter have relocated to Deir al-Balah and are rebuilding the seed collection.
• The seed bank holds open-pollinated, non-GMO local seeds, including wheat, okra, and spinach.
• Approximately 200 farmers have benefited from seed distribution supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

What remains unclear

Despite challenges such as blocked agricultural land access, shortage of organic fertilizers, water scarcity, soil degradation, and psychological trauma from ongoing conflict, Muhanna and his family emphasize the importance of the seed bank in preserving Palestinian farming heritage and providing a measure of dignity and agency.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify current numbers of farmers supported by the seed bank and the variety of seeds available. Confirm the extent and impact of Israeli restrictions on agricultural access and seed imports as described. Check the latest status of aid delivered to Gaza in connection with agricultural support and seed distribution.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The Guardian Gaza. Open the source.