Strawberries

Israel is easing its economic blockade on the Gaza strip to allow a limited amount of fresh produce and fresh-cut flowers to be exported from the territory, including strawberries.

According to a report by United Arab Emirates publication The National, some 42 tonnes of strawberries have been exported so far this year, with around 300 tonnes expected to be sent overseas by the end of February.

Around 750 tonnes would be exported to lucrative European markets if the borders were fully open, said Yusuf Shaath, project manager for cash crops at the Palestinian Agricultural Relief Committees. These shipments would rake in around US$10m (€7.1m).

Gaza's produce is exported to Europe through Israeli agricultural exporter Agrexco, which markets the produce under the Coral brand name.