'Banana farmers suffer most'
Photo: Marion Hall
Karni crossing
Photo: Reuters
Farmers: Closing of Karni costing millions
Israel Farmers Federation says closing down last Sunday of Karni crossing for the transfer of agricultural goods to and from Gaza costing Israeli farmers some NIS 10 million; closure also preventing transfer of medical drugs, milk for people, animals in Strip
The closing down last Sunday of the Karni crossing for the transfer of agricultural products to and from Gaza is costing Israeli farmers some NIS 10 million (about USD 2.2. million), according to Israel Farmers Federation Director Giora Sela.
Some 40 trucks loaded with fruit worth an estimated NIS 2 - 3 million (USD 430,000 – 650,000) are waiting to enter the Gaza Strip, and if a solution is not found soon the fruit will rot, he added.
According to Sela, the banana farmers are suffering the most, as they sell an estimated 3,000 tons a week to Gaza residents.
The Gaza-Israel border runs along dozens of miles, and an alternate entry point for the transfer of produce must be found until the issue is resolved, he said, adding that the Sufa, Erez or Shalom crossings may provide a temporary solution.
“There is no body that insures or compensates the farmers in cases such as this, and they are forced to absorb the loss,” Sela said.
Moreover, the Farmers Federation claim that Palestinian farmers are also suffering from the Karni crossing closure; the closure is also preventing the transfer of medical drugs and milk for people and animals in Gaza, leading to the outbreak of diseases in Gaza chickens coops.
