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Head of Mission Dr. Robert Danin welcomes Israel's agreement to allow limited exports and imports to Gaza
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 in Office of the Quartet Representative
OQR Head of Mission Dr. Robert Danin today welcomed Israeli agreement to allow limited exports and imports to Gaza, through a project funded by the Dutch government. The agreement that the Office of the Quartet Representative has been working to broker is expected to facilitate the export of 30 million carnations and 300 tonnes of strawberries from Gaza by the end of the season, driving up economic activity in the region.
The export project, which is managed by the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committee (PARC) and funded by the Dutch government, has already facilitated the export of more than one million carnations and almost 40 tonnes of strawberries. The generated revenues will help farmers to recover from losses incurred by the delayed start to the export season as well as the last two years when export was restricted. The agreement will also allow the long-awaited import of glass into Gaza, which will improve housing conditions for thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. So far, over 35 shipments of glass have been allowed to enter for this essential rehabilitation work.
Commenting on the Government of Israel's decision to allow the export of carnations and strawberries and the import of glass into Gaza, OQR Head of Mission Dr. Robert Danin said:
"This agreement is a welcome development. The Office of the Quartet Representative, along with its international partners has worked intensively with the Israeli Goverment repeatedly to ensure that much needed import of glass and the export of carnations and strawberries from Gaza are permitted. The import of glass, which the UN has been instrumental in pushing, is particularly important as the winter sets in. And the agricultural exports will provide a much-needed boost to farmers who can market their produce in the European markets. The season export of carnations alone have a projected sale value of US$4.3 million."
The Office of the Quartet Representative continues to lobby the Government of Israel to open Gaza crossings for both humanitarian and commercial goods.
