Palestinian farmers in the Gaza Strip could ship flowers and strawberries to Europe though Israel starting from Sunday, Palestinian officials said Thursday.

Gazans would be allowed to export their produce, by far only flowers and strawberries, through a commercial crossing between the Hamas-controlled territory and Israel, said Mahmoud Khalil, a representative of the farmers.

It is the second year that Israel allows Gaza flowers and strawberries to be sold overseas since it imposed a nearly total blockade on Gaza in June 2007.

The first shipment of strawberry would make its way to Holland, said Khalil, adding that the Dutch embassy in Israel has intervened to allow the export.

In total, 800 tons of strawberry and 300 million roses are expected to be exported in the season "if Israel meets its promise and keeps the crossing open," said Khalil.