Karni crossing closed again

Mr. Shaul Mofaz, Minister of Defense, instructed last Sunday ( 26/09/2004 ) the closure of the Karni crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip.
 
The directive issued by the Minister was short noticed and was not conveyed in time to farmers who had sent lorries loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables to their neighboring Palestinians.
 
Several lorries were, however, able to cross but were stopped by the Palestinian and returned back. According to the Palestinians, their refusal to let Israeli fresh produce enter the strip is the result of barriers set up by the Israelis preventing fresh produce from Gaza entering Israel.
 
MR. Giora Sela, Director General of the Fruit Growers Association sent a letter to Mr. Mofaz urging him to re-open the crossing.
 
The crossing was closed for six weeks early in June, causing heavy losses to farmers. The inability to ship fruits resulted in over supply and slide in prices of fruits and vegetables in the home market.