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Fruit Farmers: We Lost 100 Million Shekels Due to Closing of Gaza Crossings
The Organization of Fruit Growers in Israel claims that the closing of crossings between Israel and the Gaza Strip has caused a loss of 100 million shekels to the farmers.
"The transfer of agricultural produce into the Gaza Strip needs to remain outside of the political conflict, and be based only on the parameters of supply and demand, as is the case with all other trade. The use of fruit as a bargaining chip is not acceptable, and not effective. It has to stop," said Ilan Eshel, General Director of the Organization of Fruit Growers. According to Eshel, the farmers understand the rationale for closing the crossings during army operations or when there are security threats. But during times of calm, there is no reason to make the farmers suffer.