Israel blocks Palestinian agricultural exports

Text by: RFI Follow

Israel bans Palestinian agricultural exports via Jordan, the measure came into effect on Sunday, February 9. It is likely to affect most Palestinian farmers.

Publicity

With our correspondent in Ramallah, Alice Froussard

All Palestinian agricultural products are affected - fruits, vegetables, including two flagship products of Palestinian agriculture: dates and olive oil. They can no longer be exported abroad via the Allenby Bridge via Jordan. A crossing point that is controlled by Israel, and through which the products pass before being transported to the rest of the world.

It is therefore a major blow for Palestinian farmers, as it puts an end to all forms of export. In 2019, the Palestinian Authority exported the equivalent of 133 million euros.

It also confirms the escalation of the trade war between Israelis and Palestinians, which started last October. This measure is a response to the Palestinian boycott of calves from Israel.

The office of the Israeli Defense Minister clarified: this is part of the sanctions that Israel is imposing on the Palestinians after this import restriction decided by the Palestinian Authority 5 months ago.

According to Cogat, the Israeli body in charge of civil operations in the Palestinian Territories, this boycott has " seriously harmed " livestock producers. " The sanctions are staggered and reinforced, " he continues, " until the boycott and the crisis are resolved ".

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• Israel
• Palestinian Territories
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