March 14, 2013

Gaza approves chicken imports from Israel

About 50 tonnes of frozen chickens from Israel have been approved for importation into Gaza, according to an official.

Tahsin al-Saqqa, director of the ministry's marketing department, said chicken imports were usually banned in order to encourage people to buy locally.

However, Mr al-Saqqa told Ma'an that due to the rising cost of fresh chicken, the ministry has decided to import frozen chicken to ease the burden on families.

He said Israel limited the number of baby chicks allowed into Gaza, reducing supply, "thus prices rise accordingly." Farmers also cease raising chickens because of the on-going shortage of domestic gas, needed to heat coops, al-Saqqa added.