Israel allows export of Gaza-made garments for the first time in six years

Gaza, May 14 (Xinhua-ANI): Israel on Monday allowed the export of Gaza-made garments to abroad markets for the first time since Israel imposed a tight blockade on the Gaza Strip in June 2006, a Palestinian official said.

Raed Fattouh, Palestinian coordinator for commercial movement in the Gaza Strip, said a truck loaded with Gaza-made clothes has been exported through the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalon Crossing on the borders with Gaza.

"The load of clothes, which were weaved by Gazan dressmakers, was exported through Kerem Shalom to the Israeli Seaport of Ashdod, then will be transferred to the British Clothing Company GB Williams," said Fattouh.

The load of sewed garments, including 1,000 pieces of wool, is the first export of garments from Gaza to abroad markets since 2006, according to Fattouh.

He added that allowing the export of Gaza-made garments "is part of an agreement reached between Israel and Palestinian National Authority to ease the blockade and encourage the movement of commerce."

Israel tightened the blockade on the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2007, right after Islamic Hamas movement violently seized control of the coastal enclave.

However, Israel eased the blockade in early June 2010 after the Israeli naval commandos attack a Gaza-bound aids flotilla, during which nine Turkish activists were killed and dozens wounded.

Israel has allowed in 2011 and 2012 the export of Gaza's strawberries, flowers, carnations, vegetables, garments and would soon allow the export of furniture and other kinds of industries. (Xinhua-ANI)