QALQLIYA, March 5, 2026 (WAFA) –  Israeli occupation forces have continued, for the sixth consecutive day, the closure of agricultural gates surrounding the Qalqilya governorate, banning Palestinian farmers from accessing their own lands located behind the separation wall.

Ahmed Eid, Director of the Qalqilya Agriculture Directorate, told WAFA that since Saturday, Israeli troops have closed approximately 12 agricultural gates designated for farmers to reach their lands, used daily by more than 100 farmers to access their farmland.

Eid added that nearly 300 dunams of irrigated agricultural land located behind the separation wall across different areas of the governorate. These lands are planted with a variety of  crops, including citrus fruits, avocados, almonds, open-field vegetables, and thyme, all of which require daily care and maintenance.

He pointed out that the continued closure of the gates and the obstruction of farmers' access threatens to cause could lead to significant agricultural losses if this situation persists.

Farmers had already been facing restrictions due to limited opening hours of the gates and bans on bringing certain agricultural equipment.  They endured these conditions to maintain their lands,  however, they are now completely prevented from accessing them.

Y.S