
Ali Ali / EPA
Date picking season is underway in Deir al Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Oct. 16.

Ali Ali / EPA
A Palestinian picks dates from palm trees during the date picking season, in Deir al Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Oct. 16.

Ali Ali / EPA
Dates have been a staple food in the Middle East for thousands of years.

Ali Ali / EPA
Dates have been a staple food in the Middle East for thousands of years.