Closure of Al-Karamah Crossing Impacts Olive Oil Exports for Palestinian Farmers
The ongoing closure of the Al-Karamah crossing, a vital trade route for Palestinian farmers, has raised serious concerns regarding the export of olive oil, a significant source of income for thousands of families in the region. This situation has emerged as the olive harvest season commenced in early October, with expectations of producing over 22,000 tons of oil in the West Bank alone. However, the closure threatens not only the farmers' livelihoods but also their ability to meet essential expenses such as construction, marriage, and education.
The Al-Karamah crossing, controlled by Israel and located east of Jericho, has been shut down for truck traffic since September 9, following a violent incident involving a Jordanian truck driver. This closure has left many farmers worried about their future, as they depend heavily on the olive oil industry, which constitutes 25% of the agricultural income in the occupied Palestinian territory. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, nearly 96,500 families rely on this industry for their livelihood.
Despite the grim situation in the Gaza Strip, where over 75% of olive trees have been destroyed due to ongoing conflict, the West Bank's olive oil production remains a beacon of hope. Farmers like Fayyad Fayyad, who heads the Palestinian Olive Oil Council, estimate that the total production this year could reach between 20,000 and 22,000 tons. However, the continued closure of the Al-Karamah crossing poses a significant threat to both local consumption and international exports.
The olive oil produced in Palestine is primarily exported to the United States, Europe, and the Gulf States. However, with the crossing closed, farmers face increased costs and reduced demand, impacting their ability to sell their products at fair market prices. Fayyad urges international pressure on Israel to reopen the crossing, emphasizing the urgent need for a solution to ensure that farmers can sustain their families throughout the year.
As the situation develops, farmers are advised to hold off on selling their oil until the crossing is reopened and prices stabilize, as the global prices for olive oil continue to rise. The Al-Karamah crossing, also known as the Allenby crossing, serves as a crucial lifeline for the West Bank, facilitating the export of goods and the import of essential supplies.
