GAZA, December 31, 2007, (WAFA) - Khan Yunis governor Dr. Usama al-Farra asserted early Monday that a humanitarian catastrophe inevitably to happen against the farmers of Gaza Strip as they are unable to export their agricultural products.

In a statement issued by the government, al-Farra said that "the farmers' group is the most damaged in the Palestinian community which suffers hell under the Israeli tough siege. The agricultural sector is on the brink of the abyss as more than 50% of the farmers abandoned farming because they are unable to export their crops thus inflicting grave losses".

"80% of the crops are subjected to damage due to denying access of the agricultural Pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, Pesticide and nylon used for the green houses", he added.

Concerning losses in the agricultural sector, he made it clear that "the losses for this season mounted to US 52 millions. There are 500 dunums planted with Tomato and Sweet Pepper, 300 tons of which are damaged weekly. Incase the Israeli siege goes on, the losses of these kinds of crops are to reach US 2 millions".

He as well pointed out the fact that the Israeli occupation has been deliberately working on destroying the agricultural sector mostly in Khan Younis city as it is the most depending on agriculture. The aim of such policy of collective punishment is to kill any hope for the Palestinian citizen in being independent away from the Israeli dependency.

In conclusion, al-Farra called on the international community to pressurize Israel reopens Gaza Strip crossings to enable the farmers export their crops.