Israel has relaxed some restrictions on the export of commercial goods from Gaza. The ‘conditional’ measure comes a month after a truce ended the Israeli military offensive on the besieged Strip.
Starting from Monday, a limited export of goods, primarily agricultural produce and textiles, will be allowed from the Palestinian enclave, the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), a branch of Israel’s defense ministry has announced.
The move was approved by the country’s new government, led by PM Naftali Bennett, the agency added, warning that it was “conditional upon the preservation of security stability.” In addition to commercial exports, mail will be also allowed in and out of the Palestinian enclave.
#Gaza exports have decreased by 81 percent since the start of #Israeli-imposed blockade.#SaveGazaFromCorona #SiegeIsEpidemicpic.twitter.com/p1lzepDy5g
— Princess Warrior #SaveSheikhJarrah
(@aneesafalasteen) April 8, 2020
The agricultural produce is set to flow through the Karam Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) border crossing and to be marketed in the West Bank as well as abroad. The textiles will be exported to Israeli businesses that use the enclave-based sewing shops.
Israel has tightly controlled the flow of goods into and out of Gaza for years, with the trade effectively brought to a halt amid the 11-day escalation in May. The blockade has heavily hit Gaza’s agricultural sector, with local farmers losing some $16 million due to the restrictions, according to the enclave’s Agriculture Ministry.
(RT, PC, Social Media)
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