Last week’s decision by the Israeli authorities to reseal the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip, ostensibly as a response to rocket attacks, has come under fire from international non-governmental organisations, as well as Israel’s own Fruit Growers Association.

Charity groups have expressed their concern about food and fuel shortages in the Gaza Strip, while the Fruit Growers Association has warned that the ban could impact Israeli fruit growers, according to Port2Port.

Director-general Ilan Eshel commented: “Returning the fruit to Israeli markets will cause a price crisis and huge losses to Israeli fruit growers. The extra fruit will glut the market to the point where no profits can be made.”

An average of 50 tonnes of fruit, including bananas, apples, pears and avocados, are transported to the Gaza strip each week.