Delegation representing the fruit growers association met Mr. Gabi Offir, director general of the Israel Airport Authority to discuss difficulties in shipping fresh fruit and vegetables from Israel to the Gaza Strip.
The delegation headed by Mr. Giora Sela, director general of the Fruit Growers Association outlined the increasing difficulties in moving fruits through the border crossing in times of military tension.
"The closure of the border crossing for six weeks adversely affected growers who could not sell their produce in Gaza and instead sold the produce in the home market where due to increase in supply they encountered falling market prices " said Sela.
Israeli fruit growers sell over 60,000 tons of fruit annually to the Gaza Strip mainly Bananas, Avocados, Mango, Apples and Pairs.
Mr. Offir emphasized that the Airport Authority will do all it could to facilitate the 24 hours opening of the border crossing and that the authority will take all necessary steps to overcome any administrative difficulty in order to assist the growers.
