Palestine relies heavily on Turkish agricultural products amid Israeli blockade

Palestinian official Mohammed Abidin highlighted the significant reliance of Palestine on Turkish products, particularly fertilizers and agricultural pesticides.

Abidin, a member of the Palestine Industrial Federation Board of Directors, mentioned that Türkiye ranks third in imports to Palestine, following China and Israel.

Due to the circumstances where all goods imported to Palestine must pass through Israeli ports, the Palestinian Authority faces customs duties imposed by these ports.

Abidin also noted a notable increase of about 15% in Turkish product imports to Palestine since the commencement of Israel’s attacks on Gaza on Oct. 7.

He attributed part of this rise to the instability in the Red Sea, with Houthi attacks and violations affecting cargo ships passing through. This has made Türkiye a swift solution and a significant alternative source for materials and products that were previously imported from China.

Farmers use Turkish products

Palestinian farmer Mohammad Ebu Sabit echoed Abidin’s sentiments, praising the effectiveness of Turkish fertilizers and pesticides. Ebu Sabit, who operates a five-acre farm in the Jordan Valley region of the West Bank, has been using Turkish agricultural products for the past decade.

Ebu Sabit said that he, along with many Palestinian farmers, now heavily relies on Turkish fertilizers and pesticides for his crops, which include tomatoes, cucumbers, and zucchinis.

The backdrop of these discussions lies in Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, sparked by a cross-border attack by Hamas in early October. The conflict has resulted in devastating casualties among Palestinians, with over 33,100 killed and 75,800 injured.

Furthermore, Israel’s blockade on Gaza has left the population, especially in the northern region, grappling with severe shortages of food and essential supplies.

Source: Newsroom

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