{
  "id": 898170,
  "title": "Gaza's beekeepers put the buzz back into their business",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/gazas-beekeepers-put-the-buzz-back-into-their-business",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-14T17:51:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/08/14/gazas-beekeepers-struggle-to-put-the-buzz-back-into-their-business/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ibrahim Al Dabba, a beekeeper in the Gaza Strip, once managed about 400 beehives on his family's agricultural land east of Gaza city. However, the war devastated most of his hives, and only 30 were salvaged and repaired. Al Dabba then relocated the hives to the rooftop of his residence as part of his efforts to rebuild his beekeeping business alongside his sons. Before the October 7, 2023 attacks, Gaza had over 40,000 beehives managed by 500 beekeepers, producing approximately 400 tons of honey annually. The war destroyed more than 90 percent of Gaza's beekeeping sector, causing significant financial losses and claiming the lives of numerous beekeepers. Many surviving colonies now struggle to find sufficient natural food sources due to the destruction of vast agricultural areas and the restricted access to resources. Despite these challenges, Gaza is once again producing honey, though the quality has diminished due to bees relying on sugar and artificial feed instead of their usual flowers and crops. For Amin Eid, a beekeeper, returning to beekeeping is essential for his family's income, as he lacks the necessary knowledge or skills for other professions. However, the increased costs of beekeeping supplies and the restricted access to essential materials have made it harder for beekeepers to maintain their operations. Consequently, the price of honey in Gaza has risen from 80 shekels per kilo to around 300 shekels per kilo, making it a luxury for many.",
  "summary": "Ibrahim Al Dabba once owned about 400 beehives spread across hundreds of metres of farmland east of Gaza city . War destroyed the majority, but when a ceasefire was signed in January 2025, he rushed back, salvaged and repaired 30. He then moved them closer to his family and began rebuilding his beekeeping business alongside his sons - this time on a rooftop. “I was among the few beekeepers who…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Gaza's beekeepers put the buzz back into their business",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/gazas-beekeepers-put-the-buzz-back-into-their-business-899423",
        "published": "2026-08-14T17:51:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}