Gaza exports first batch of produce to Israel since 2007

Palestinian farmers in the Gaza Strip have made their first batch of produce exports to Israel since 2007, a Palestinian official said Thursday.

"Three trucks loaded with vegetables made their way into Israel through Kerem Shalom," Munir al-Ghalban, director of the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom, told Xinhua.

Al-Ghalban welcomed the Israeli decision to allow exports of agriculture produce, hoping that further similar steps would be taken soon.

Last week, Israel said that Gaza farmers could export their produce to Israeli markets for the first time since it imposed a tight economic blockade on the territory after Hamas' violent takeover in 2007.

The Israeli decision came as Jews mark the "Shmita" holiday during which lands are left fallow and agricultural activities are banned by Jewish law once every seven years.

Meanwhile, Talaat Telouly, head of crossing connections at the Palestinian Agriculture Ministry, told Xinhua that the new Israeli move will improve Gaza's agricultural economy.

He expressed expectation that Israel will allow in more agricultural exports from Gaza, thereby helping farmers who suffered years of the blockade.

In 2014, Israel allowed Gaza to export 178 truck-loads of goods to European markets, while in 2013, Gaza businessmen managed to export 234 truck-loads.

Only recently, Israel allowed Gaza to export vegetables, strawberries and fish to the West Bank. Endit