In Gaza, farmers await sweet harvest

AMID the rubble of the former Jewish settlements, Palestinians have sown the first seeds of a modest economic revival.

Less than three months after the Israelis departed, Palestinians have repaired scores of greenhouses left by the settlers and planted a crop, and they are preparing to harvest an estimated $20 million worth of strawberries, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers and herbs and spices.

The produce is intended mostly for export to Europe, but some will also be headed to Israel, Arab countries and the United States.

After overcoming numerous obstacles, the Palestinians said their main worry now was the Karni border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Israel, critical to moving the produce to the markets.

TheAge.com.au