For the first time since 2007, Israel will allow Gaza to export ironware, furniture and textiles to Israel in a bid to improve the embattled enclave's economy, the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, or COGAT, said Monday.
The new rules will go into effect October 7 with the aim of "improving the Gaza economy and reducing unemployment," said the office, which is responsible for civilian affairs vis a vis West Bank and Gazan Palestinians.
The latest easing of exports follows a decision in March to allow Gaza growers to sell tomatoes and eggplant in Israel for consumers keeping the shmita-year prohibition on domestically grown produce.