GAZA, March 2, 2011 (WAFA) – Abdel Karim Ashur, head of Agricultural Relief Committee in Gaza Strip, denied news Wednesday about an Israeli permit to export vegetables and specifically tomatoes from the Gaza Strip to European markets.

However, Israeli media claimed that Israel allowed the export of tomatoes from Gaza into European markets through Karm Abu Salem crossing.

Ashur told WAFA that Israeli authorities allowed on Tuesday and for the first time the export of only two tons of cherry tomatoes, almost at the end of the tomato season, pointing out that Palestinian farmers agreed to that only to maintain their presence in European markets.

Ashur added that this permit is not a gift from Israel but is a result of pressure on Israel, by Dutch companies cooperating with Palestinian companies, to allow export of cherries, pepper and tomatoes.

Israel is still refusing to allow the export of tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables to European markets and even West Bank markets which offer better prices than Europe, according to Ashur.

He added these measures restrict economic development in Palestine and specially that of the agricultural sector.

Abdul Hafiz Nofal, General Director, Ministry of National Economy, said that the export of clothes and furniture from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank, Jordan and Egypt will start by April and the crossing should be open for exports and imports according to the crossing agreement of 2005.

He added that Israel banned the entry of raw materials into the Gaza Strip and only permits partial entry of some specific materials, such as those for building, under the pretext of 'security reasons'.

R.S./F.J.