Gaza's honey production slows to a drizzle
Beekeepers in Gaza are currently experiencing a low in honey production due to the latest Israeli war on Gaza, during which the Israeli army destroyed vast agricultural lands.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Muhannad Hamid waits an entire year for the honey harvest season, which falls annually between April 20 and May 10. During this period, Hamid makes the most profit from honey collection. However, this year, it seems he won’t make any profits, as production has decreased compared with previous years.
Hamid, 42, owns several beehives in the town of Beit Hanoun on the northern border of the Gaza Strip. These beehives are his family’s only source of livelihood. He told Al-Monitor with frustration, “What I never expected actually happened. My farm’s production for this year was no more than 300 kilograms [661 pounds] of honey, while in normal [times], the amount of honey reaches 750 kilograms [1,653 pounds].”
He explained that the Israeli war on Gaza in July 2014 caused the destruction of 20 of his 50 beehives, costing $220 each. Hamid said that the losses he incurred following the war totaled $4,400.
“Hive maintenance and honey collection are a practical project that I began preparing for two years ago, to provide a source of livelihood for my family, in light of the increasing unemployment and poverty,” he said. “However, due to the losses I had to endure this season, I will have to look for another job, despite the scarce job opportunities at the moment.”
