Ministry of Agriculture: We Reject Israeli Media Claims Regarding the Contamination of Exported Palestinian Vegetables

SadaNews - The Ministry of Agriculture has firmly rejected Israeli media claims regarding the contamination of exported Palestinian vegetables with pesticide residues, considering it a systematic campaign aimed at tarnishing the reputation of national products and harming the Palestinian agricultural economy, in the context of escalatory policies that affect various sectors and seek to weaken one of the most important pillars of national resilience on the ground.

The ministry emphasizes that the Palestinian agricultural sector is subject to a rigorous technical and scientific monitoring system that complies with the international standards adopted in food safety and pesticide use, and that any claims in this regard must be based on reliable laboratory results issued by independent technical entities, rather than media statements lacking scientific evidence.

It clarifies that the scientific committee for pesticides is the national body exclusively authorized to approve, regulate, and update pesticide lists according to international standards, and the ministry has issued the Agricultural Pesticide Guide 2025 as a national reference that regulates safe and responsible use. Additionally, pesticides are imported through official channels and clear regulatory procedures, often passing through the Israeli side and subject to its approvals, alongside the ministry's implementation of periodic and surprise inspection campaigns to control trading and prevent any unauthorized materials.

The ministry asserts that the products exported to the Israeli market are the same as those traded in the local market, subject to the same production, safety, and quality standards adopted in international agricultural trade.

The Ministry of Agriculture reaffirms its commitment to protecting citizens' health, preserving the reputation of national agricultural products, and continuing to develop monitoring, inspection, and guidance systems that enhance confidence in Palestinian products and support the resilience of farmers and the national economy.