Naim Abu Amra's land in central Gaza's Deir al-Balah used to be covered with greenhouses.
On the 11-dunam (one hectare) stretch of land east of Abu Holi, the Palestinian farmer grew tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and courgettes, with some seasonal rotations of eggplants and leafy vegetables to keep the soil healthy.
Like many of Gaza's farmers, Abu Amra was working with limited means due to tight Israeli restrictions on agricultural imports, and had to be resourceful, using drip-irrigation systems powered by solar panels and a small diesel pump.
His produce was sold in local markets, sustaining a family of eight and providing work to seasonal labourers during the peak months.
But after Israel's genocidal war began in October 2023, everything changed. The entire area was declared a "no-go zone". His greenhouses were destroyed, irrigation pipes torn apart and the well filled with sand and debris.
