GAZA MINISTRY STOPS IMPORTING ISRAELI FRUITS

Gaza Strip on May 7, 2010. Photo: Ma'an" width="300" height="200" /> Palestinian farmers harvest courgettes for local markets in Rafah, in the
southern Gaza Strip on May 7, 2010. Photo: Ma’an

Gaza City, 4 Safar 1436/26 November 2014 (MINA) – The Gaza Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday announced that it will stop importing Israeli fruit to the besieged enclave after Israeli authorities prevented vegetables from Gaza from entering the West Bank at the Kerem Shalom crossing.

“We decided to stop importing fruits from the Israeli side to pressure Israel to resume allowing our vegetables to be exported,” Tahsin Wal-Saqqa, general manager of marketing and crossings in the ministry, Ma’an News Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

On Sunday, Israel prevented 12 trucks of vegetables from being sent into the West Bank from Gaza. Two of the trucks were supposed to be sent to Jordan, and the total value was estimated at $150,000.

The ban caused Palestinian farmers huge financial losses and will lead to a decrease in prices of vegetables in Gaza, the ministry said at the time.

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In early November, Israel allowed the export of agricultural products from Gaza to the West Bank for the first time since 2007.

Before the Israeli siege imposed on Gaza following the Palestinian division in 2007, Gaza exported fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, and products to the West Bank.

Israel agreed to ease the siege on Gaza in the ceasefire agreement that concluded a massive military offensive on Gaza over summer, which left nearly 2,200 dead, but so far no tangible steps have been taken to lessen restrictions.(T/P008/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

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