Tomatoes
TomatoesIsrael news photo: Flash 90

On the same day that Hamas warned of an impending electricity crisis in Gaza within 72 hours, it was reported that Gaza has begun exporting tomatoes to Saudi Arabia.

The export was coordinated by the Coordinator of Government Activities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza and included 15 tons of tomatoes.

The tomatoes were transferred to Israel on Wednesday through the Kerem Shalom crossing, and on Thursday were exported abroad via the Allenby Bridge.

Last Sunday, Gaza exported 31 tons of tomatoes to Jordan. A spokesman for the Coordinator of Government Activities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza said that the tomato export from Gaza was made possible thanks to the activities the Coordination and Liaison Administration to Gaza, which has helped and guided the entire process, from the training of farmers to sending samples to laboratories to ensure the tomatoes meet the international standardization.

Several months ago, Gaza began its export of strawberries and carnations to Europe, as part of an extensive project financed by the Dutch government. Recently it was announced that, in addition to the agricultural exports, Gaza will soon be able to export furniture to Europe as part of a new pilot program.

Israel allows exporting from Gaza despite rocket attacks by Gaza terrorists at Israel’s southern communities. Gaza’s Hamas terrorist rulers often claim that there is a humanitarian crisis in the area, which they claim is caused by Israel’s naval blockade in Gaza. Despite those claims, a huge luxury mall operates in Gaza and several months ago Gaza even exported aid to Somalia.

While the Gaza Energy Authority announced on Thursday that the supposed electricity crisis is caused by Israel because of its “ban on construction materials,” Israel began allowing construction materials for pre-approved projects like schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure to enter Gaza in early 2011.