Gaza City: The UN's World Food Programme is exporting 140 tonnes of date bars to the West Bank from Gaza this week, hoping this first shipment in nearly five years will help revive a vital trade route, an official said on Tuesday.
An Israeli official said a resumption of regular exports from Gaza to the West Bank is unlikely, citing security concerns and a desire not to reward Gaza's Hamas rulers.
Israel eased its blockade of Gaza nearly two years ago, allowing the import of many consumer goods. It continues to bar exports of manufactured goods. Exports, especially to the West Bank, on the opposite side of Israel, were once a mainstay of Gaza's economy.
The restrictions were initially imposed after the violent takeover of Gaza by the Islamic militant Hamas in 2007. Critics argue the export ban is counterproductive and punishes ordinary Gazans instead of pressuring Hamas.
