Gaza sweet potatoes exported to Europe for 1st time since siege
Published yesterday (updated) 30/09/2014 15:31
http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=730837

GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Thirty tons of sweet potatoes were exported from Gaza
to Europe for the first time since Israel imposed a siege on the Strip, the
Ministry of Agriculture said Monday.

Ministry official Tahsin al-Saqqa said "this small quantity" of potatoes
were exported after it was permitted by Israeli authorities.

Al-Saqqa said he hoped the Israeli decision would be the beginning of a
policy to allow continuous exports of farmers' goods from Gaza.

The Israeli siege has severely limited imports and exports as well as
movement of people, crippling Gaza's economy.

According to the Israeli rights group Gisha, exports have been reduced to
two percent of their previous levels, leading to widespread unemployment and
poverty.

Ending the devastating siege was the primary demand of Gaza militant
factions as they fought Israel in a 50-day war that left nearly 2,200
Palestinians dead, mostly civilians.

The blockade was imposed following the victory of Hamas in the 2006
Palestinian elections and the subsequent 2007 clashes between Fatah and
Hamas, which left Hamas in control of the Strip and Fatah in control of
parts of the occupied West Bank.