Culture
Bee populations plummet in Gaza
Gaza is watching its bee populations plummet and accuses Israel for irresponsible or even malicious use of insecticides.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The Gaza Strip is witnessing a major decline in the bees that used to swarm farmland and gardens across the coastal enclave.
Many Gazans accuse Israel of the deliberate killing and displacement of bees by spraying toxic pesticides near apiaries and flowering trees in border areas, which have also been heavily bulldozed in the name of security.
Honey production represents an important field of agriculture in the Gaza Strip. It is also one of the least expensive products, needing only access to the nectar of flowering plants.
However, the sector is also one of the most affected by Israeli activities, as most production takes place along the border with Israel.
