Daily Archives: February 17, 2009

Export of Apples from Israel to Syria, 17 Feb 2009, 10:08 IST

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February 17th, 2009

Export of Apples from Israel to Syria

Following a request by the “Red Cross” and at the directive of the political echelon, apples grown by Israeli apple growers in the Golan Heights will be exported into Syria, starting today, February 17th 2009 via the Kuneitra crossing. The Kuneitra crossing is usually used for the crossing of UN personnel and forces.

The transfer is coordinated and carried out by representatives of the “Red Cross” in Israel and Syria, with the participation and observation of UN representatives and the IDF which will accompany and secure the trucks’ movement near the Syrian border.

The shipment of apples will take place over the next few weeks. More than 20 truckloads are scheduled to cross every day. Approximately 8000 tons of fruit is expected to be transferred from Israel into Syria. This is the fourth successive year in which the export of apples will take place.

The IDF hopes that the transfer will take place as quickly and efficiently as possible, and has made preparations to ensure that this indeed occurs.

IAF Strike Against Arms Smuggling Tunnels, 16 Feb 2009, 16:22 IST

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February 16th, 2009

In response to Palestinian Rocket Fire:IAF Attacked Two Arms Smuggling Tunnels in the Gaza Strip

In response to three Qassam rockets that were fired at Israeli communities this morning and last night and the continuous firing of more than 45 rockets and mortars since the holding of fire on January 18th, Israel Air Force (IAF) aircraft hit two tunnels used for arms smuggling on the southern Gaza border. Earlier today the IAF attacked an additional smuggling tunnel in the same region.

Despite the ongoing rocket and mortar fire, 500,000 liters of fuel and close to 200 humanitarian aid trucks carrying medical aid, food and other commodities were transferred into the Gaza Strip today via the Kerem Shalom, Karni and Nahal Oz crossings.

As the sole authority in the Gaza Strip, Hamas bears full responsibility of all terror originating within its area of control. The IDF will continue to respond to any attempts to destabilize Israel’s South.