Gaza Strip approved for flower exports

GAZA, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Nearly 25,000 flowers can be exported to Europe from the Gaza Strip for Valentine's Day, the Israeli military says.

The (Britain) Daily Telegraph said Friday the flower exports will mark the first export allowed to leave the troubled region by Israel since June 2007.

Israeli military spokesman Maj. Peter Lerner said the decision to allow the nearly 25,000 carnations to leave the war-torn region came amid requests from regional farmers and the Dutch government.

Lerner did warn that Israel's approval of the flower exports for Saturday's holiday did not represent a permanent change in the country's stance in regards to the Gaza Strip.

Mohammed Khalil, the Gaza flower growers' association's head, told the Telegraph the temporary export allowance by Israel does little to lessen regional flower growers' fears. "We had to feed the flowers to the animals because we couldn't export them," Khalil said. "We are afraid of losing our reputation in Europe and are afraid to plan ahead."