Gaza: Strawberries bring optimism

Bright red strawberry crates are seen loaded on the back of trucks headed towards the Israeli border.

Israel has recently permitted the export of a number of Palestinian strawberries from the Gaza Strip. Gaza farmers say the strawberries are now a symbol of hope.

This initiative is a step forward as last year a hub at Kerem abu Salim, a crossing point in the south was expanded permitting certain exports.

Farmers and businessmen partaking in the initiative foresee a broader trade expansion.

"We hope it will be better. They promised us to let us export flowers and vegetables later. But today we are exporting strawberries -- we are sending two trucks loaded with strawberries,” said Rizek abu Alam, a farmer.

Earlier this week, two trucks loaded with the fruit made its way into Israel bound for Europe, with up to ten trucks of shipment per day till all the strawberries have been exported.

Since November 2010, Israel has reduced trade restrictions on Gaza in response to Western pressures against an embargo implemented after Hamas Islamists gained power in 2007.

Depending on the resolution of security measures, Israeli officials expect Kerem abu Salim’s capacity to increase up to 400 trucks a day by the end of this year.

The revival of exports would prove beneficial to the economy, boosting employment in the enclave.

Speaker:

Rizek abu Alam – Gaza farmer