Israel increases efforts to allow fresh supplies into Gaza

23 tonnes of strawberries and 800,000 cut flowers were allowed out of the impoverished enclave via the Kerem Shalom Crossing
 
Israel has allowed over the last few weeks for a limited quantities of fresh fruits and meat to cross the border into the Gaza strip.
 
The Israeli cabinet declared Gaza an 'enemy entity' in September, due to continued rocket fire from the strip toward southern Israel.
 
The Agriculture Ministry said last week that the permission to supply Gaza with fresh produce was granted by Matan Vilnai, deputy Minister of Defense.
 
A Palestinian trade group and Israeli officials said last week that Israel had also allowed the export of several truckloads of flowers and strawberries from the Gaza Strip over the last week.
 
The Palestinian Trade Centre (Paltrade) reported that some 23 tonnes of strawberries and 800,000 cut flowers were allowed out of the impoverished enclave via the Kerem Shalom Crossing with Israel. The fresh products were sent to Europe.
 
Israel said last week, ahead of the Annapolis conference on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which took place Tuesday, that it would allow the exports as a goodwill gesture.