30 june 2013
A Palestinian study revealed that Israel collects 40 million shekels ($11 million) per year from Palestinians, in return for issuing Permits and Magnetic cards that allow them enter the occupied territories and work in the Israeli market. The Applied Research Institute ARIJ in the city of Bethlehem revealed on Saturday in a study that the Palestinian citizen pays a fee of 100 NIS for the magnetic card.
According to ARIJ's study, the total number of Palestinian workers in the occupied territories and the settlements reached 100,000 workers who are forced to pay permit fees to be able to work in the 1948-occupied Palestine
The magnetic card was an almost indispensable condition for entry the Occupied Palestinian Territory, although having the card itself was not enough to guarantee receiving a permit, but it is a proof that the people who apply for the permits are not considered a security risk.
According to ARIJ's study, the total number of Palestinian workers in the occupied territories and the settlements reached 100,000 workers who are forced to pay permit fees to be able to work in the 1948-occupied Palestine
The magnetic card was an almost indispensable condition for entry the Occupied Palestinian Territory, although having the card itself was not enough to guarantee receiving a permit, but it is a proof that the people who apply for the permits are not considered a security risk.
29 june 2013
Frequent closures of the only crossing for commercial goods between Israel and the Gaza Strip have left the coastal territory short of gas for cooking and heating, businessmen say, affecting businesses, agricultural production and health services.
Kerem Shalom crossing reopened on 26 June after two days of closure, described by the Israeli military as a response to rocket fire from Gaza.
Israel has closed the crossing five times since the end of February after similar rocket fire, for a total of 15 working days, in addition to six days of closure due to holidays.
Before this most recent closure, Gazans said they were still recovering from the series of closures in the spring, which they say created a cumulative deficit in gas.
At one of Gaza's major gas distributors, some 40,000 empty cylinders fill the station.
"Some people have been waiting for months to get their cylinders filled," owner Yusri Daban told IRIN. He manages to fill about 1,500 per day, but is flooded with an equal amount of empty arrivals.
Daban's company used to receive 25 tons of gas per day for distribution. His share decreased to 18 tons due to the shortages, and has not been increased since. He says he needs 35-45 tons a day to deal with the backlog.
Maher Tabba', spokesperson of the Gaza chamber of commerce, says the shortages have affected production on farms, factories, bakeries and restaurants; and have added to the chronic power cuts by putting an even higher demand on electricity.
Along the wall of Ahmed al-Ajrami's bakery, about a dozen gas cylinders sit empty. His current stock covers him for just two weeks, he says.
"I am [stuck] between gas shortages and power cuts which impact my business deeply," he told IRIN. "Either way is very difficult, but we are trying to adapt to keep working and to serve customers." He estimates that his revenue dropped by about 10 percent as a result of the recent shortages.
Collective punishment?
Gisha, an NGO that campaigns for freedom of movement, describes the closures of Kerem Shalom crossing as a form of collective punishment against a civilian population, which is a violation of international law.
"International law provides Israel with a wide range of lawful actions, military and diplomatic, that can be used to counter the threat of rockets," the organization wrote in a May 2013 position paper. "Restrictions on movement of people and civilian goods as a means of punishment fall outside this range."
The closure-related shortages come on top of long-standing restrictions on imports and exports, related to a blockade on Gaza imposed by Israel since 2007.
"The additional closures of Kerem Shalom over the past months have aggravated existing shortages," Gisha said.
The Gaza-based Association of Gas Station Owners, which is responsible for the import of cooking gas, estimates that the demand in Gaza is about 1,250 tons per week, but that on average, only 850 tons are brought in from Israel. Another five tons are brought in daily through tunnels from Egypt, but the process is complicated and the price is high.
As a result of chronic shortages over the years, many businessmen have switched from gas stoves, to electrically-powered devices, incurring the increased costs of running a generator. According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), access restrictions, including repeated closures, have widened the gaps in key areas such as health, education, electricity, water and sanitation.
"These measures are resulting in the depletion of stocks of essential supplies, including basic foodstuffs and cooking gas, and undermine the livelihoods and rights of many vulnerable Gazan families," humanitarian coordinator James Rawley said in April during a closure of Kerem Shalom. "If these restrictions continue, the effect upon the Gaza population will be serious."
Bassam Barhoum, a Palestinian health ministry official, said public hospitals and health centers need 4-4.5 tons of gas per month to feed patients and staff and disinfect bed sheets and clothing.
"What we have now is [stocks] roughly enough for about four days," he said, down from the usual stocks of one to two weeks. "We are in dire situation."
How Gaza gets gas
Gas reaches Gaza through trucks that transmit gas from the Israeli side through a pipe at the crossing to trucks waiting on the Palestinian side. The trucks need special permission to enter the border crossing area.
According to Gisha and to the Association of Gas Station Owners, the pipeline operates from 8am to 3 or 4pm, at a capacity of 22 tons per hour, bringing in between 160-180 tons per day. But the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the unit of the Israeli Ministry of Defense responsible for coordination in OPT, says the crossing has a capacity of 240 tons a day - a stance Gisha and others question.
OCHA says access restrictions are just one of many factors at play in the gas shortages. Others include delays in the placement of orders by local gas dealers; the costs related to taxes and fees; a two-day weekend during which the crossing is closed; higher transportation costs due to the location of the crossing on the southern border of the Strip (a more accessible crossing point at Nalah Oz was closed in 2010); and the security coordination procedures between Israeli and Palestinian trucks on either side of the pipeline, which can sometimes take hours.
Gas dealers say the underutilized capacity at the crossing is due primarily to the last factor: delays in actually reaching the pipeline.
"What we need now because of the cumulative shortage is 250-300 tons a day to close the current gap," said Mahmoud al-Shawwa, head of the Association of Gas Station Owners.
Gas dealers have requested that Israel extend working hours of the crossing, open the crossing on Fridays, build more pipelines to boost the capacity, increase the number of trucks allowed into the crossing area, and set up a reserve tank on the Palestinian side.
Last week, Israel began allowing an extra truck of gas on some days, bringing an additional 20 or so tons of gas. But gas dealers say no longer-term solutions have been implemented. "So far all we've seen is promises," al-Shawwa said.
Kerem Shalom crossing reopened on 26 June after two days of closure, described by the Israeli military as a response to rocket fire from Gaza.
Israel has closed the crossing five times since the end of February after similar rocket fire, for a total of 15 working days, in addition to six days of closure due to holidays.
Before this most recent closure, Gazans said they were still recovering from the series of closures in the spring, which they say created a cumulative deficit in gas.
At one of Gaza's major gas distributors, some 40,000 empty cylinders fill the station.
"Some people have been waiting for months to get their cylinders filled," owner Yusri Daban told IRIN. He manages to fill about 1,500 per day, but is flooded with an equal amount of empty arrivals.
Daban's company used to receive 25 tons of gas per day for distribution. His share decreased to 18 tons due to the shortages, and has not been increased since. He says he needs 35-45 tons a day to deal with the backlog.
Maher Tabba', spokesperson of the Gaza chamber of commerce, says the shortages have affected production on farms, factories, bakeries and restaurants; and have added to the chronic power cuts by putting an even higher demand on electricity.
Along the wall of Ahmed al-Ajrami's bakery, about a dozen gas cylinders sit empty. His current stock covers him for just two weeks, he says.
"I am [stuck] between gas shortages and power cuts which impact my business deeply," he told IRIN. "Either way is very difficult, but we are trying to adapt to keep working and to serve customers." He estimates that his revenue dropped by about 10 percent as a result of the recent shortages.
Collective punishment?
Gisha, an NGO that campaigns for freedom of movement, describes the closures of Kerem Shalom crossing as a form of collective punishment against a civilian population, which is a violation of international law.
"International law provides Israel with a wide range of lawful actions, military and diplomatic, that can be used to counter the threat of rockets," the organization wrote in a May 2013 position paper. "Restrictions on movement of people and civilian goods as a means of punishment fall outside this range."
The closure-related shortages come on top of long-standing restrictions on imports and exports, related to a blockade on Gaza imposed by Israel since 2007.
"The additional closures of Kerem Shalom over the past months have aggravated existing shortages," Gisha said.
The Gaza-based Association of Gas Station Owners, which is responsible for the import of cooking gas, estimates that the demand in Gaza is about 1,250 tons per week, but that on average, only 850 tons are brought in from Israel. Another five tons are brought in daily through tunnels from Egypt, but the process is complicated and the price is high.
As a result of chronic shortages over the years, many businessmen have switched from gas stoves, to electrically-powered devices, incurring the increased costs of running a generator. According to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), access restrictions, including repeated closures, have widened the gaps in key areas such as health, education, electricity, water and sanitation.
"These measures are resulting in the depletion of stocks of essential supplies, including basic foodstuffs and cooking gas, and undermine the livelihoods and rights of many vulnerable Gazan families," humanitarian coordinator James Rawley said in April during a closure of Kerem Shalom. "If these restrictions continue, the effect upon the Gaza population will be serious."
Bassam Barhoum, a Palestinian health ministry official, said public hospitals and health centers need 4-4.5 tons of gas per month to feed patients and staff and disinfect bed sheets and clothing.
"What we have now is [stocks] roughly enough for about four days," he said, down from the usual stocks of one to two weeks. "We are in dire situation."
How Gaza gets gas
Gas reaches Gaza through trucks that transmit gas from the Israeli side through a pipe at the crossing to trucks waiting on the Palestinian side. The trucks need special permission to enter the border crossing area.
According to Gisha and to the Association of Gas Station Owners, the pipeline operates from 8am to 3 or 4pm, at a capacity of 22 tons per hour, bringing in between 160-180 tons per day. But the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the unit of the Israeli Ministry of Defense responsible for coordination in OPT, says the crossing has a capacity of 240 tons a day - a stance Gisha and others question.
OCHA says access restrictions are just one of many factors at play in the gas shortages. Others include delays in the placement of orders by local gas dealers; the costs related to taxes and fees; a two-day weekend during which the crossing is closed; higher transportation costs due to the location of the crossing on the southern border of the Strip (a more accessible crossing point at Nalah Oz was closed in 2010); and the security coordination procedures between Israeli and Palestinian trucks on either side of the pipeline, which can sometimes take hours.
Gas dealers say the underutilized capacity at the crossing is due primarily to the last factor: delays in actually reaching the pipeline.
"What we need now because of the cumulative shortage is 250-300 tons a day to close the current gap," said Mahmoud al-Shawwa, head of the Association of Gas Station Owners.
Gas dealers have requested that Israel extend working hours of the crossing, open the crossing on Fridays, build more pipelines to boost the capacity, increase the number of trucks allowed into the crossing area, and set up a reserve tank on the Palestinian side.
Last week, Israel began allowing an extra truck of gas on some days, bringing an additional 20 or so tons of gas. But gas dealers say no longer-term solutions have been implemented. "So far all we've seen is promises," al-Shawwa said.
28 june 2013
The Palestinian Minister of Public Works and Housing Yousef Subhi Gariz signed, with Palestinian construction companies, contracts for the implementation of the Malaysian grant projects. The Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Mohamed Najib offered his country's grant of $ 6.5 million for the Gaza Strip, in mid-January during his recent visit to the Strip
Minister Gariz said, during the signing ceremony of the project, that the grant projects include the redevelopment of the Malaysian Rantisi hospital, the establishment of the Malaysian vocational school, the re-building of the al-Noor al-Mohammadi Mosque, and the reconstruction of the Palestinian cabinet building which was destroyed in the recent war on Gaza.
He thanked on the behalf of all the Palestinian people, the Malaysian government and people for this grant, "which reflects the relationships of brotherhood and friendship between the two peoples."
Gariz called on all the donors to offer more support for the projects of reconstruction and development in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Minister Gariz said, during the signing ceremony of the project, that the grant projects include the redevelopment of the Malaysian Rantisi hospital, the establishment of the Malaysian vocational school, the re-building of the al-Noor al-Mohammadi Mosque, and the reconstruction of the Palestinian cabinet building which was destroyed in the recent war on Gaza.
He thanked on the behalf of all the Palestinian people, the Malaysian government and people for this grant, "which reflects the relationships of brotherhood and friendship between the two peoples."
Gariz called on all the donors to offer more support for the projects of reconstruction and development in the besieged Gaza Strip.
EU Provides €10 Million to Support Palestinian Families Living in Extreme Poverty in West Bank, Gaza
The European Union is making this year's second contribution to the Palestinian Authority's payment of social allowances to poor and vulnerable Palestinian families in the West Bank and Gaza, the European Commission revealed in a press release.
The EU contribution is €9.95 million and is provided through PEGASE financial mechanism (an instrument to channel EU and international assistance as a contribution to the building of the Palestinian State), which supports the Palestinian National Development Plan by helping the PA to finance its budget deficit and implement its reform agenda; meet its obligations towards civil employees, pensioners and most vulnerable citizens, and maintain the functioning of the administration and the provision of essential public services to the population.
Palestinian households living in extreme poverty receive assistance through the PA Ministry of Social Affairs national cash transfer programme. The programme provides a basic safety-net to the poorest and most vulnerable Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza through cash and in-kind assistance.
Today's contribution will reach 57,249 Palestinian families in need. More than half of this target population lives in Gaza. Eligible beneficiaries for the EU contribution are identified in cooperation with the PA Ministry of Finance.
"Social protection is at the centre of EU's policy on development cooperation. Last month we completed a fruitful round of policy dialogue with the Ministry of Social Affairs, who leads the social protection sector. We have taken stock of the substantial work undertaken by the Ministry of Social affairs in terms of strategic planning, policy design, institutional capacity and discussed the way ahead", said the EU Representative, Mr John Gatt-Rutter. "The EU remains fully committed to support the Palestinian Authority in these efforts, in close cooperation with our partners. We plan to continue our technical assistance to the Ministry of Social Affairs for the coming three years to further promote good practice in policy formulation and allow the Palestinian Authority to realize in full its Social Protection Sector Strategy", added Mr. Gatt-Rutter
Payments are made across a network of local banks. In Gaza beneficiaries may collect their allowance over-the-counter from 29 June 2013 to 1 August 2013 at the bank branch indicated by their social worker. Beneficiaries living in the West Bank may collect their allowance as of 30 June 2013 directly from their individual bank accounts.
This €10 million contribution represents the second tranche of an overall 2013 financial commitment of €40 million allocated to the payment of social allowances for households living in extreme poverty. This overall amount, which includes funds for the EU budget and donors' contribution, covers almost half of the total budget of the Palestinian cash transfer programme.
The EU contribution is €9.95 million and is provided through PEGASE financial mechanism (an instrument to channel EU and international assistance as a contribution to the building of the Palestinian State), which supports the Palestinian National Development Plan by helping the PA to finance its budget deficit and implement its reform agenda; meet its obligations towards civil employees, pensioners and most vulnerable citizens, and maintain the functioning of the administration and the provision of essential public services to the population.
Palestinian households living in extreme poverty receive assistance through the PA Ministry of Social Affairs national cash transfer programme. The programme provides a basic safety-net to the poorest and most vulnerable Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza through cash and in-kind assistance.
Today's contribution will reach 57,249 Palestinian families in need. More than half of this target population lives in Gaza. Eligible beneficiaries for the EU contribution are identified in cooperation with the PA Ministry of Finance.
"Social protection is at the centre of EU's policy on development cooperation. Last month we completed a fruitful round of policy dialogue with the Ministry of Social Affairs, who leads the social protection sector. We have taken stock of the substantial work undertaken by the Ministry of Social affairs in terms of strategic planning, policy design, institutional capacity and discussed the way ahead", said the EU Representative, Mr John Gatt-Rutter. "The EU remains fully committed to support the Palestinian Authority in these efforts, in close cooperation with our partners. We plan to continue our technical assistance to the Ministry of Social Affairs for the coming three years to further promote good practice in policy formulation and allow the Palestinian Authority to realize in full its Social Protection Sector Strategy", added Mr. Gatt-Rutter
Payments are made across a network of local banks. In Gaza beneficiaries may collect their allowance over-the-counter from 29 June 2013 to 1 August 2013 at the bank branch indicated by their social worker. Beneficiaries living in the West Bank may collect their allowance as of 30 June 2013 directly from their individual bank accounts.
This €10 million contribution represents the second tranche of an overall 2013 financial commitment of €40 million allocated to the payment of social allowances for households living in extreme poverty. This overall amount, which includes funds for the EU budget and donors' contribution, covers almost half of the total budget of the Palestinian cash transfer programme.
27 june 2013
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) announced in a press release, the preliminary results of the Palestinian Balance of Payments – First Quarter 2013.
The Balance of Payments (BOP) is an account measuring transactions between residents and non-residents in a given period. It is considered to be the peak of efforts in preparing systematic economic statistics that are necessary for observing economic performance in general and for deriving essential data used in compiling the Rest of the World Account as part of the Palestinian National Accounts. BoP consists of two main accounts, the Current Account and the Capital and Financial Account.
The main findings of the preliminary results of BoP for the First quarter of 2013 are including:
The incessant deficit of the Current Account amounted to USD 240.2 million (8.8 percent of the GDP at current prices for the 1st quarter of 2013) with a decrease of 63.5 percent compared to the previous quarter. The deficit of Current Account was caused mainly by the deficit in the Trade Balance of goods which was USD 1,106.1 million (40.5 percent of the GDP at current prices) with a decrease of 4.6 percent compared to the previous quarter.
The deficit in Services Balance amounted to USD 97.1 million with a decrease of 12.9 percent compared to previous quarter. This decrease was caused by the increase of the exports in travel services in addition to decrease in imports of transportation and travel services.
The surplus in Income Balance (compensations of employees and investments income) amounted to USD 292.9 million with an increase of 7.1 percent compared to the previous quarter, this surplus was due to a surplus in Compensations of Employees working in Israel that reached USD 271.0 million. While, the received investments income amounted to USD 28.6 million was mainly caused by the interest received on the Palestinian deposits in banks abroad.
According to the Current Transfers, the surplus value amounted to USD 670.1 million with an increase of 97.6 percent compared to the previous quarter. The donors' current transfers was 65.5 percent of total value of receipts from abroad.
The surplus value of Capital and Financial Account amounted to USD 191.9 million was mainly caused by the surplus in Capital Account amounted to USD 144.2 million.
The changes on Reserve Assets flow (increased) amounted to USD 20.8 million at PMA.
The Balance of Payments (BOP) is an account measuring transactions between residents and non-residents in a given period. It is considered to be the peak of efforts in preparing systematic economic statistics that are necessary for observing economic performance in general and for deriving essential data used in compiling the Rest of the World Account as part of the Palestinian National Accounts. BoP consists of two main accounts, the Current Account and the Capital and Financial Account.
The main findings of the preliminary results of BoP for the First quarter of 2013 are including:
The incessant deficit of the Current Account amounted to USD 240.2 million (8.8 percent of the GDP at current prices for the 1st quarter of 2013) with a decrease of 63.5 percent compared to the previous quarter. The deficit of Current Account was caused mainly by the deficit in the Trade Balance of goods which was USD 1,106.1 million (40.5 percent of the GDP at current prices) with a decrease of 4.6 percent compared to the previous quarter.
The deficit in Services Balance amounted to USD 97.1 million with a decrease of 12.9 percent compared to previous quarter. This decrease was caused by the increase of the exports in travel services in addition to decrease in imports of transportation and travel services.
The surplus in Income Balance (compensations of employees and investments income) amounted to USD 292.9 million with an increase of 7.1 percent compared to the previous quarter, this surplus was due to a surplus in Compensations of Employees working in Israel that reached USD 271.0 million. While, the received investments income amounted to USD 28.6 million was mainly caused by the interest received on the Palestinian deposits in banks abroad.
According to the Current Transfers, the surplus value amounted to USD 670.1 million with an increase of 97.6 percent compared to the previous quarter. The donors' current transfers was 65.5 percent of total value of receipts from abroad.
The surplus value of Capital and Financial Account amounted to USD 191.9 million was mainly caused by the surplus in Capital Account amounted to USD 144.2 million.
The changes on Reserve Assets flow (increased) amounted to USD 20.8 million at PMA.
25 june 2013
Exports increased in April 2013 by 14.9% compared to March and increased by 22.3% compared to April 2012 to reach $74.2 million, said Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics [PDF](PCBS) on Tuesday. It said exports to Israel, which represented 89.3% of total April exports, increased by 14.5% compared to March.
Exports to other countries increased by 18.1% during the same period compared to March 2013.
Imports also increased in April 2013 by 18.7% compared to March 2013 and increased by 9.6% compared to April 2012 to reach $402.7 million.
Imports from Israel, which represented 63.9% of total April imports, increased by 9.6% compared to March.
Imports from other countries increased by 39.1% compared to March 2013, said the PCBS.
The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, showed an increase in trade deficit by 19.6% compared to March 2013 and increased by 7.0% compared to April 2012 to reach $328.5 million, according to the PCBS.
Exports to other countries increased by 18.1% during the same period compared to March 2013.
Imports also increased in April 2013 by 18.7% compared to March 2013 and increased by 9.6% compared to April 2012 to reach $402.7 million.
Imports from Israel, which represented 63.9% of total April imports, increased by 9.6% compared to March.
Imports from other countries increased by 39.1% compared to March 2013, said the PCBS.
The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, showed an increase in trade deficit by 19.6% compared to March 2013 and increased by 7.0% compared to April 2012 to reach $328.5 million, according to the PCBS.
Israel continued its closure of all crossings into Gaza on Tuesday for the second day, a Palestinian Authority official told Ma'an.
Raed Fattouh said Israeli authorities informed the liaison office that the goods crossing in southern Gaza, Kerem Shalom, was closed for the import and export of goods for "security reasons."
The passenger crossing in northern Gaza, Erez, will also remain closed, except for "humanitarian cases only," Fattouh said.
Israel announced Monday morning it had shut down the crossings following rocket fire.
Israel responded by launching a series of air strikes on the coastal enclave.
It remains unclear which military wing launched the rockets.
Islamic Jihad denied Monday that it's military wing was responsible, a day after severing ties with the ruling Hamas movement in Gaza over the fatal shooting of an affiliate by Hamas police.
Raed Fattouh said Israeli authorities informed the liaison office that the goods crossing in southern Gaza, Kerem Shalom, was closed for the import and export of goods for "security reasons."
The passenger crossing in northern Gaza, Erez, will also remain closed, except for "humanitarian cases only," Fattouh said.
Israel announced Monday morning it had shut down the crossings following rocket fire.
Israel responded by launching a series of air strikes on the coastal enclave.
It remains unclear which military wing launched the rockets.
Islamic Jihad denied Monday that it's military wing was responsible, a day after severing ties with the ruling Hamas movement in Gaza over the fatal shooting of an affiliate by Hamas police.
24 june 2013
Two UN agency heads Friday expressed concern at the deteriorating food security in the West Bank and Gaza where one in three Palestinian households now struggle to feed their families, a statement read.
Ertharin Cousin, the executive director of the UN World Food Programme and Filippo Grandi, the commissioner-general of UNRWA visited a Bedouin village between Jerusalem and Jericho where a food distribution carried out jointly by the two agencies was taking place.
“High food prices and low wages mean that 1.6 million Palestinians don’t know from where their next meal is coming,” said WFP’s Ertharin Cousin.
“Yet food security is security. Food security is a vital component for sustained peace across the region.”
Cousin also welcomed a new agreement with UNRWA that will strengthen cooperation in Palestine and throughout the region and address the urgent needs of the population, the statement read.
High unemployment, poor economy leading to food insecurity
In 2012, a total of 1.6 million people – 34 percent of households in Palestine – were food insecure, a dramatic rise from 27 percent in 2011, according to preliminary results of a joint UN survey carried out by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, WFP, UNRWA and the Food and Agriculture Organization, found that
Contributing factors include high unemployment rates, stagnant economic growth, the financial problems of the Palestinian Authority, the continued Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza, the statement read.
In Jericho, Cousin met shoppers using electronic vouchers from WFP to buy olive oil, salt and other groceries, most of which are produced locally in Palestine.
In the past three years WFP has injected more than $100 million into the Palestinian economy through local purchase and the redemption of electronic food vouchers. "This investment supports local businesses and generates employment," the statement read.
During the visit to the village of Khan al Ahmar, the two agency heads signed a Memorandum of Understanding, in an agreement which will deepen and expand ties between the two agencies.
“As well as cooperating more in the fields of food security and nutrition, we can share expertise in logistics, supply chain management and other initiatives, not just in Palestine, but regionally, particularly as we face up to the challenge of the Syria crisis,” said Commissioner-General Grandi.
Ertharin Cousin, the executive director of the UN World Food Programme and Filippo Grandi, the commissioner-general of UNRWA visited a Bedouin village between Jerusalem and Jericho where a food distribution carried out jointly by the two agencies was taking place.
“High food prices and low wages mean that 1.6 million Palestinians don’t know from where their next meal is coming,” said WFP’s Ertharin Cousin.
“Yet food security is security. Food security is a vital component for sustained peace across the region.”
Cousin also welcomed a new agreement with UNRWA that will strengthen cooperation in Palestine and throughout the region and address the urgent needs of the population, the statement read.
High unemployment, poor economy leading to food insecurity
In 2012, a total of 1.6 million people – 34 percent of households in Palestine – were food insecure, a dramatic rise from 27 percent in 2011, according to preliminary results of a joint UN survey carried out by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, WFP, UNRWA and the Food and Agriculture Organization, found that
Contributing factors include high unemployment rates, stagnant economic growth, the financial problems of the Palestinian Authority, the continued Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza, the statement read.
In Jericho, Cousin met shoppers using electronic vouchers from WFP to buy olive oil, salt and other groceries, most of which are produced locally in Palestine.
In the past three years WFP has injected more than $100 million into the Palestinian economy through local purchase and the redemption of electronic food vouchers. "This investment supports local businesses and generates employment," the statement read.
During the visit to the village of Khan al Ahmar, the two agency heads signed a Memorandum of Understanding, in an agreement which will deepen and expand ties between the two agencies.
“As well as cooperating more in the fields of food security and nutrition, we can share expertise in logistics, supply chain management and other initiatives, not just in Palestine, but regionally, particularly as we face up to the challenge of the Syria crisis,” said Commissioner-General Grandi.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abass signed the Palestinian Deposit Insurance Corporation Law in a ceremony attended by the Governor of Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA), Dr. Jihad Al Wazir, the heads of the Banking Sector and Association of Banks in Palestine, PMA said in a press release Sunday.
Dr. Alwazir described this step as a "historical achievement" for the state of Palestine in general, and for the PMA, the banking system in particular. He added that this institution will reinforce financial and banking stability and that its foundation at the appropriate time as the banking system is strong, stable and sound with high levels of equity and capital adequacy that is higher than recommended by the Basel Committee.
Dr. Al Wazir commended the President's support to maintaining financial stability in Palestine. He added that this law is the result of the intensive efforts in collaboration between the PMA, the Banking Association and World Bank experts.The law establishes The Palestine Deposit Insurance Corporation which aims at safeguarding small depositors, maintaining the stability of the banking system, and thus mobilizing more savings that would enable banks to play a better role in the economy. In particular, the corporation will minimize chances for financial crises by insuring 1.2 million depositors representing 93% of the depositors of licensed banks in Palestine. As per the law a percentage of insured deposits will be paid by the licensed banks in Palestine to the corporation, The Government will also contribute to the corporation's capital.
The PMA joined the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), which has more than 132 countries as members.
It's worth noting that The Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) is the emerging Central Bank of Palestine. Its overall purpose is to ensure price stability and contribute to the stability and effectiveness of the Palestinian financial system.
Dr. Alwazir described this step as a "historical achievement" for the state of Palestine in general, and for the PMA, the banking system in particular. He added that this institution will reinforce financial and banking stability and that its foundation at the appropriate time as the banking system is strong, stable and sound with high levels of equity and capital adequacy that is higher than recommended by the Basel Committee.
Dr. Al Wazir commended the President's support to maintaining financial stability in Palestine. He added that this law is the result of the intensive efforts in collaboration between the PMA, the Banking Association and World Bank experts.The law establishes The Palestine Deposit Insurance Corporation which aims at safeguarding small depositors, maintaining the stability of the banking system, and thus mobilizing more savings that would enable banks to play a better role in the economy. In particular, the corporation will minimize chances for financial crises by insuring 1.2 million depositors representing 93% of the depositors of licensed banks in Palestine. As per the law a percentage of insured deposits will be paid by the licensed banks in Palestine to the corporation, The Government will also contribute to the corporation's capital.
The PMA joined the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), which has more than 132 countries as members.
It's worth noting that The Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) is the emerging Central Bank of Palestine. Its overall purpose is to ensure price stability and contribute to the stability and effectiveness of the Palestinian financial system.
22 june 2013
A fire at a poultry farm in Hebron killed over 4,300 chickens on Saturday and wounded two people, civil defense crews said.
The fire broke out in al-Dhahiriya, southwest of Hebron, and civil defense crews managed to control the blaze and rushed two people to hospital with moderate wounds.
The fire was caused by an electrical fault, civil defense crews said.
The fire broke out in al-Dhahiriya, southwest of Hebron, and civil defense crews managed to control the blaze and rushed two people to hospital with moderate wounds.
The fire was caused by an electrical fault, civil defense crews said.
20 june 2013
The electricity company in the Gaza Strip has obtained a court order to seize the real estate of a Khan Younis family and sell part of it to retrieve unpaid electricity bills mounting to 90,000 shekels.
A statement from the company pointed out that assets would be auctioned so the company can retrieve its money. “The electricity company has been exerting extensive, huge efforts through legal procedures to collect its unpaid money in order to improve its services.”
The statement quoted the company’s general manager as saying it had been running campaigns early in 2013 seeking to help Gaza citizens pay their bills. He urged all residents who have unpaid bills to take advantage of the initiatives to pay their bills.
A statement from the company pointed out that assets would be auctioned so the company can retrieve its money. “The electricity company has been exerting extensive, huge efforts through legal procedures to collect its unpaid money in order to improve its services.”
The statement quoted the company’s general manager as saying it had been running campaigns early in 2013 seeking to help Gaza citizens pay their bills. He urged all residents who have unpaid bills to take advantage of the initiatives to pay their bills.
18 june 2013
The total number of transport vehicles in Palestine in 2012 was 11,561 vehicles, an increase by 13.4% compared to 2011, said a Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) on Tuesday. Of the total 11,109 (93.3%) were passenger transport vehicles and the remaining 452 were cargo vehicles.
It said the number of employed persons in the public transport sector was 12,687 persons in 2012, an increase by 17.2% as compared with 2011.
The results indicated that the value added in Palestine was $120.1 million, an increase by 10.5% as compared with 2011 - $100.8 million in West Bank and $19.3 million in Gaza Strip. The percentage of value added of public vehicles reached to 92.9% of the total value added.
PCBS added that the value of output in Palestine was $268 million, an increase by 3.6% compared with 2011. The results showed that the majority of output was generated from public vehicles activities by 92.9%.
The value of intermediate consumption in Palestine was $147.9 million in 2012, a decrease by 1.5% as compared to 2011 - $129.7 million in West Bank and $18.3 million in Gaza Strip. The percentage of intermediate consumption of public vehicles reached 92.9% of total intermediate consumption.
It said the number of employed persons in the public transport sector was 12,687 persons in 2012, an increase by 17.2% as compared with 2011.
The results indicated that the value added in Palestine was $120.1 million, an increase by 10.5% as compared with 2011 - $100.8 million in West Bank and $19.3 million in Gaza Strip. The percentage of value added of public vehicles reached to 92.9% of the total value added.
PCBS added that the value of output in Palestine was $268 million, an increase by 3.6% compared with 2011. The results showed that the majority of output was generated from public vehicles activities by 92.9%.
The value of intermediate consumption in Palestine was $147.9 million in 2012, a decrease by 1.5% as compared to 2011 - $129.7 million in West Bank and $18.3 million in Gaza Strip. The percentage of intermediate consumption of public vehicles reached 92.9% of total intermediate consumption.
16 june 2013
Newly-appointed Palestinian Authority finance minister Shukri Bishara met his Israeli counterpart Yaer Lapid in Jerusalem, the PA announced Sunday.
The two discussed reactivating the specialized joint technical committees which Israel unilaterally suspended in November 2012, a statement issued by the PA government press office read.
The committees were set up as part of the Oslo Accords to deal with issues such as clearing, crossings, fuel, medical referrals, electricity, water and telecommunications.
Bishara and Lapid also discussed accumulated debts the PA owes to Israel's Electricity Company, as well as tax revenues Israel collects on behalf of the PA.
A statement from Lapid's office said that Sunday's meeting was taking place "in coordination" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In March, Israel said it would restart regular monthly tax transfers to the Palestinian Authority, which it withheld in response to President Mahmoud Abbas' successful UN upgrade bid.
At the time, Israel said it would be making decisions on the revenue transfers on a monthly basis.
Bishara, a banker and economist, was sworn in to the 15th Palestinian government headed by Rami Hamdallah on June 6, replacing former premier and finance minister Salam Fayyad.
On Saturday Hamdallah vowed to boost Palestinian development and to overcome the current financial crisis in Palestine "caused by practices of the Israeli occupation which impede development."
His comments were made during an official visit to the West Bank city of Jericho.
The two discussed reactivating the specialized joint technical committees which Israel unilaterally suspended in November 2012, a statement issued by the PA government press office read.
The committees were set up as part of the Oslo Accords to deal with issues such as clearing, crossings, fuel, medical referrals, electricity, water and telecommunications.
Bishara and Lapid also discussed accumulated debts the PA owes to Israel's Electricity Company, as well as tax revenues Israel collects on behalf of the PA.
A statement from Lapid's office said that Sunday's meeting was taking place "in coordination" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In March, Israel said it would restart regular monthly tax transfers to the Palestinian Authority, which it withheld in response to President Mahmoud Abbas' successful UN upgrade bid.
At the time, Israel said it would be making decisions on the revenue transfers on a monthly basis.
Bishara, a banker and economist, was sworn in to the 15th Palestinian government headed by Rami Hamdallah on June 6, replacing former premier and finance minister Salam Fayyad.
On Saturday Hamdallah vowed to boost Palestinian development and to overcome the current financial crisis in Palestine "caused by practices of the Israeli occupation which impede development."
His comments were made during an official visit to the West Bank city of Jericho.
14 june 2013
The leader in Fatah movement, Nabil Shaath stressed that his movement is" doing the utmost to prevent a violent uprising", stressing that an intifada (uprising) doesn't have to be violent.
"We can’t guarantee we would be able to prevent another intifada," he added speaking to Israeli reporters on Thursday in Ramallah.
The PA is working to prevent violence against settlement and Israeli borders, he said, stressing that PA spending on Israeli security is more than the PA education budget.
"We can’t guarantee we would be able to prevent another intifada," he added speaking to Israeli reporters on Thursday in Ramallah.
The PA is working to prevent violence against settlement and Israeli borders, he said, stressing that PA spending on Israeli security is more than the PA education budget.
13 june 2013
The overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Palestine during May 2013 increased by 0.10% compared with April 2013. It increased by 0.96% in the West Bank and by 0.43% in Jerusalem J1*, while it decreased by 1.73% in Gaza Strip.
The CPI during May 2013 increased by 1.45% compared with May 2012 (3.03% in the West Bank, and by 1.27% in Jerusalem J1*, while it decreased by 1.86% in Gaza Strip).
The change in Consumer Price Index (CPI) for May 2013 was due to a rise in Cigarettes& Cigar and Tobacco products by 6.98%, Fresh fruit by 2.13%, and Poultry by 1.10% and a decrease in Potatoes and other tubers by 10.61%, Fuel for Housing by 4.06% and Gas by 3.80%.
Note:
* Jerusalem J1: those parts of Jerusalem which were annexed by Israel in 1967. The data of West Bank doesn't cover Jerusalem J1.
The CPI during May 2013 increased by 1.45% compared with May 2012 (3.03% in the West Bank, and by 1.27% in Jerusalem J1*, while it decreased by 1.86% in Gaza Strip).
The change in Consumer Price Index (CPI) for May 2013 was due to a rise in Cigarettes& Cigar and Tobacco products by 6.98%, Fresh fruit by 2.13%, and Poultry by 1.10% and a decrease in Potatoes and other tubers by 10.61%, Fuel for Housing by 4.06% and Gas by 3.80%.
Note:
* Jerusalem J1: those parts of Jerusalem which were annexed by Israel in 1967. The data of West Bank doesn't cover Jerusalem J1.
by PCHR/ Narratives
Majed Fadel Hassan Baker (53) is a fisherman from the Gaza Strip. Having been a fisherman since the age of 10, he has borne witness to the sharp decline of the fishing industry in the Gaza Strip in recent years. Majed's weathered skin shows evidence of a life outdoors.
Life as a fisherman in the Gaza Strip is one of the most dangerous seafaring jobs in the world. This is not due to adverse weather conditions, or because their catch resides at unreachable depths. The greatest danger for fishermen in Gaza is posed by Israeli gunboats.
The closure of the Gaza Strip has been in effect since the early 1990's, though has seen a sharp increase since 2007. While trying to provide for their families in the face of great economic turmoil resulting from the Israeli-imposed closure they are often attacked, and harassed, through random acts of violence and acts of vandalism against their boats. Imprisonment is also a concern, even when sailing well within the fishing limits. The Israeli soldiers have a history of destroying fishermen's boats, and in turn their livelihood, affecting not only the fishermen but also their families who often depend on them as their sole source of income.
After the 2012 November offensive, codenamed 'Operation Pillar of Defence', one of the terms of the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire was the extension of the fishing limit from 3 to 6 nautical miles. However, in March 2013 Israel again reduced the fishing area to 3 nautical miles. Regardless of where the boundary is set, Israel continues their attacks on fishing boats deemed to be too close to the limit. "They fire if you come close to the limit," explains Majed.. Sometimes, even fishing boats that are clearly within the nautical mile limit are attacked. Already constrained by the fluctuating limit, fishermen also face the threat of injury or death as they attempt to make a living.
Majed lost his boat in October 2012, when he set sail to try his luck at catching some fish. "It is hard to find good fish within the limit. Fish only come this close to land when it is time to lay their eggs. Before the closure, when the limit was around 12 miles, we could catch 30-50 kilos of fish every day. Now, I cannot catch enough to cover the cost of fuel for the generator and maintenance for the solar panels. Most of my equipment was designed for deep sea fishing. It is useless at 3 miles."
"In October, I was sailing with two of my sons within the limit. We were attacked without warning by two Israeli gunboats. They fired at the generator and destroyed it, and then warned us that we were past the limit." Majed pointed out that they had been within the limit and, moreover, that the Israeli forces had fired upon them before issuing any warning.
The aggression against Majed and his crew did not end after the engine was destroyed: "The soldiers then made us strip and swim to their gunboat. They bound our hands and feet, blindfolded us, and tied us to the boat." The crew was taken to Israel on the Israeli gunboat, and their fishing boat was towed behind. After a number of hours of detention, the crew was released at Beit Hanoun ('Erez') border crossing, where they crossed back into the Gaza Strip.
"Now they want me to pay in transportation costs for them to bring my boat back to Gaza. I am already $5,000 dollars in debt for the engine and solar panels. (Many fishermen in Gaza have installed solar panels, which charge during the day so that they may illuminate the sea at night in the hope of attracting fish) If I don't pay for my boat to be returned, I will have to buy another one. I don't have any money. How can I pay? I refuse to pay. They are the ones who did the damage. They are the ones who fired without warning and took my boat. Why should I pay for what they did? They have no right to ask for money."
It would cost the same to buy a new boat as it would to transport his boat home and repair its engine. However, Majed cannot afford either option. "There is a saying in Gaza: 'Whatever you take from the sea, the sea takes back from you'. Now, the only way I can make money is if a friend allows me to go with him on his boat to fish but, because there are few fish within the limit, it is not enough. I have 14 people in my family who all look to me to provide for them. How can I?"
Since April 2012 until February of 2103 PCHR has documented 7 cases whereby the Israeli officials have attempted to charge Palestinian fishermen for transportation costs for them to get their boats back. On the 8th of October, one day after the incident the PCHR launched several complaints in regard to this form of extortion, demanding a serious investigation and the returning of the boat. PCHR then received a response saying that an investigation is under way by Israeli officials. On the 23rd of May 2013 PCHR received a response from the Israeli prosecution stating that they are ready to hand over the 7 boats including the one mentioned in the narrative.
The conditions dictate that the owner of the boat must sign a contract that they will not exceed the fishing limits. They also state that the transportation is undertaken by a third party loading company, so the fishermen are responsible for the costs. The boats will also be returned as they were captured, minus the engines as they exceed the Israeli imposed limitation of a 25 horse power engine, so are therefore deemed illegal. Currently the owners of all the boats have refused these conditions as the transportation and cost of a new engine is generally more expensive than buying a new boat altogether.
When asked how he felt after the incident, Majed seemed frail as his eyes began to well: "I was... I am depressed. Fishing is my life. I know nothing else. I have no education and no other skills. I have been fishing since I was 10 years old. Now I live in poverty as I cannot find other work. If the closure carries on and the Israelis keep acting so aggressively, there is no future for me, or the entire fishing industry in Gaza. I want to ask Israel, 'Why Palestine? We want our freedom and dignity back. Why are you stopping us from doing what we love?""
Majed explains the poverty trap that fishermen are in which, in turn, results in a bleak outlook for the younger generations: "There are not enough fish, so we must take our children out of school to help us fish, as we cannot afford to pay for workers. This means they get no education, which means that they cannot get a good job when they are older."
Israel's attacks against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip, who do not pose any threat to the security of the Israeli naval forces, constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. The fishing exclusion zone, maintained through arbitrary arrests and attacks, constitutes a measure of collective punishment, which is prohibited under Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The right to work, including in just and favourable conditions, is provided for under Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as under Article 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Moreover, Article 11 of the ICESCR recognizes "the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions."
Majed Fadel Hassan Baker (53) is a fisherman from the Gaza Strip. Having been a fisherman since the age of 10, he has borne witness to the sharp decline of the fishing industry in the Gaza Strip in recent years. Majed's weathered skin shows evidence of a life outdoors.
Life as a fisherman in the Gaza Strip is one of the most dangerous seafaring jobs in the world. This is not due to adverse weather conditions, or because their catch resides at unreachable depths. The greatest danger for fishermen in Gaza is posed by Israeli gunboats.
The closure of the Gaza Strip has been in effect since the early 1990's, though has seen a sharp increase since 2007. While trying to provide for their families in the face of great economic turmoil resulting from the Israeli-imposed closure they are often attacked, and harassed, through random acts of violence and acts of vandalism against their boats. Imprisonment is also a concern, even when sailing well within the fishing limits. The Israeli soldiers have a history of destroying fishermen's boats, and in turn their livelihood, affecting not only the fishermen but also their families who often depend on them as their sole source of income.
After the 2012 November offensive, codenamed 'Operation Pillar of Defence', one of the terms of the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire was the extension of the fishing limit from 3 to 6 nautical miles. However, in March 2013 Israel again reduced the fishing area to 3 nautical miles. Regardless of where the boundary is set, Israel continues their attacks on fishing boats deemed to be too close to the limit. "They fire if you come close to the limit," explains Majed.. Sometimes, even fishing boats that are clearly within the nautical mile limit are attacked. Already constrained by the fluctuating limit, fishermen also face the threat of injury or death as they attempt to make a living.
Majed lost his boat in October 2012, when he set sail to try his luck at catching some fish. "It is hard to find good fish within the limit. Fish only come this close to land when it is time to lay their eggs. Before the closure, when the limit was around 12 miles, we could catch 30-50 kilos of fish every day. Now, I cannot catch enough to cover the cost of fuel for the generator and maintenance for the solar panels. Most of my equipment was designed for deep sea fishing. It is useless at 3 miles."
"In October, I was sailing with two of my sons within the limit. We were attacked without warning by two Israeli gunboats. They fired at the generator and destroyed it, and then warned us that we were past the limit." Majed pointed out that they had been within the limit and, moreover, that the Israeli forces had fired upon them before issuing any warning.
The aggression against Majed and his crew did not end after the engine was destroyed: "The soldiers then made us strip and swim to their gunboat. They bound our hands and feet, blindfolded us, and tied us to the boat." The crew was taken to Israel on the Israeli gunboat, and their fishing boat was towed behind. After a number of hours of detention, the crew was released at Beit Hanoun ('Erez') border crossing, where they crossed back into the Gaza Strip.
"Now they want me to pay in transportation costs for them to bring my boat back to Gaza. I am already $5,000 dollars in debt for the engine and solar panels. (Many fishermen in Gaza have installed solar panels, which charge during the day so that they may illuminate the sea at night in the hope of attracting fish) If I don't pay for my boat to be returned, I will have to buy another one. I don't have any money. How can I pay? I refuse to pay. They are the ones who did the damage. They are the ones who fired without warning and took my boat. Why should I pay for what they did? They have no right to ask for money."
It would cost the same to buy a new boat as it would to transport his boat home and repair its engine. However, Majed cannot afford either option. "There is a saying in Gaza: 'Whatever you take from the sea, the sea takes back from you'. Now, the only way I can make money is if a friend allows me to go with him on his boat to fish but, because there are few fish within the limit, it is not enough. I have 14 people in my family who all look to me to provide for them. How can I?"
Since April 2012 until February of 2103 PCHR has documented 7 cases whereby the Israeli officials have attempted to charge Palestinian fishermen for transportation costs for them to get their boats back. On the 8th of October, one day after the incident the PCHR launched several complaints in regard to this form of extortion, demanding a serious investigation and the returning of the boat. PCHR then received a response saying that an investigation is under way by Israeli officials. On the 23rd of May 2013 PCHR received a response from the Israeli prosecution stating that they are ready to hand over the 7 boats including the one mentioned in the narrative.
The conditions dictate that the owner of the boat must sign a contract that they will not exceed the fishing limits. They also state that the transportation is undertaken by a third party loading company, so the fishermen are responsible for the costs. The boats will also be returned as they were captured, minus the engines as they exceed the Israeli imposed limitation of a 25 horse power engine, so are therefore deemed illegal. Currently the owners of all the boats have refused these conditions as the transportation and cost of a new engine is generally more expensive than buying a new boat altogether.
When asked how he felt after the incident, Majed seemed frail as his eyes began to well: "I was... I am depressed. Fishing is my life. I know nothing else. I have no education and no other skills. I have been fishing since I was 10 years old. Now I live in poverty as I cannot find other work. If the closure carries on and the Israelis keep acting so aggressively, there is no future for me, or the entire fishing industry in Gaza. I want to ask Israel, 'Why Palestine? We want our freedom and dignity back. Why are you stopping us from doing what we love?""
Majed explains the poverty trap that fishermen are in which, in turn, results in a bleak outlook for the younger generations: "There are not enough fish, so we must take our children out of school to help us fish, as we cannot afford to pay for workers. This means they get no education, which means that they cannot get a good job when they are older."
Israel's attacks against Palestinian fishermen in the Gaza Strip, who do not pose any threat to the security of the Israeli naval forces, constitute a flagrant violation of international humanitarian and human rights law. The fishing exclusion zone, maintained through arbitrary arrests and attacks, constitutes a measure of collective punishment, which is prohibited under Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The right to work, including in just and favourable conditions, is provided for under Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, as well as under Article 6 and 7 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Moreover, Article 11 of the ICESCR recognizes "the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for himself and his family, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions."
12 june 2013
Mohamed Mustafa, the deputy premier of the de facto government in Ramallah, said that the Palestinian authority treasury has a total debt of 4.2 billion dollars. Mustafa told a news conference on Tuesday that the PA suffers from a severe financial crisis and described the situation as more than difficult.
He explained that the PA is saddled with a domestic debt of one billion and 200 million dollars, including 600 million dollars for banks and 480 million dollars owed by the petroleum authority.
He added that there are also external debts of one billion dollars in addition to 100 million dollars in fines imposed on the PA for its failure to pay in due time.
He also said that there are debt arrears to the private sector and suppliers amounting to 260 million dollars as well as other unsettled debts to the private sector and one billion dollars to the pension fund.
Mustafa stressed his government's need for urgent financial support to provide expenses and pay salaries for the coming months, noting that Kuwait had donated 50 million dollars and the PA government would use it to pay a loan to one of the local banks.
He explained that the PA is saddled with a domestic debt of one billion and 200 million dollars, including 600 million dollars for banks and 480 million dollars owed by the petroleum authority.
He added that there are also external debts of one billion dollars in addition to 100 million dollars in fines imposed on the PA for its failure to pay in due time.
He also said that there are debt arrears to the private sector and suppliers amounting to 260 million dollars as well as other unsettled debts to the private sector and one billion dollars to the pension fund.
Mustafa stressed his government's need for urgent financial support to provide expenses and pay salaries for the coming months, noting that Kuwait had donated 50 million dollars and the PA government would use it to pay a loan to one of the local banks.
7 june 2013
International Labour Organization (ILO) revealed in its annual report that as the momentum for growth has come to a halt, the fiscal crisis in Palestine is turning into an economic and social one.
According to the report, the crisis is due to a number of factors, including the continued failure of donors to meet their commitments, the decision of Israel to suspend, at least temporarily, the payment of clearance revenues, as well as the pace of settlement growth.
"This situation calls for measures by Israel not only to relax the application of restrictions on people and businesses but to lift them altogether, thus enabling the Palestinian economy to grow and generate decent jobs," ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, said in his preface to the report.
"The continuing occupation and expanding settlement activity are blocking the Palestinian economy, particularly its private sector, from significant progress," he added. The current situation will remain unsustainable until it is based on social justice.
"At the very least, nothing should be done to make the situation worse. Denying rightful resources to the Palestinian Authority, stepping up the already unprecedented pace of settlement growth and constraining the Palestinian economy through restrictions and the weight of the settlements, will inevitably destroy any belief in the promise of two states for two peoples," Ryder said.
According to the report, the crisis is due to a number of factors, including the continued failure of donors to meet their commitments, the decision of Israel to suspend, at least temporarily, the payment of clearance revenues, as well as the pace of settlement growth.
"This situation calls for measures by Israel not only to relax the application of restrictions on people and businesses but to lift them altogether, thus enabling the Palestinian economy to grow and generate decent jobs," ILO Director-General, Guy Ryder, said in his preface to the report.
"The continuing occupation and expanding settlement activity are blocking the Palestinian economy, particularly its private sector, from significant progress," he added. The current situation will remain unsustainable until it is based on social justice.
"At the very least, nothing should be done to make the situation worse. Denying rightful resources to the Palestinian Authority, stepping up the already unprecedented pace of settlement growth and constraining the Palestinian economy through restrictions and the weight of the settlements, will inevitably destroy any belief in the promise of two states for two peoples," Ryder said.
The United Nations stated it is working on plan meant for providing emergency aid to Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank, victims of attacks carried out by extremist Israeli settlements; the aid includes compensation for bodily harm and property damage.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, has reported that the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is seeking aid from international organizations to provide the compensations based on criteria it is currently working on.
The sought aid is will not only be financial, and would be based on estimates done by the UN regarding the amount of damage inflicted in each individual case.
Haaretz said that the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank does not have the means to provide compensation for Palestinian victims of settler violence, and quoted an official stating that Israel is responsible for the settlers and their actions in the occupied territories.
The official told Haaretz that when the settlers for instance burn a mosque, there is no problem is raising money to repair it, but the real issue is raising money for individuals harmed by the settlers and their escalating attacks.
According to Haaretz, Palestinians who are hurt in Jewish nationalistic attacks in the occupied territories are not granted compensation from the state, as hate crimes law in Israel does not include those Palestinians.
Yet, if Palestinians legally enter Israel, after being granted permits, and are subject to Israeli violence, then they are entitled to compensation from the Israeli Tax Authority or the National Insurance Institute.
Haaretz further said that, in 1999, Israel formed a committee in charge of compensations for Palestinians hurt by Israel violence. Supreme Court Justice (then Attoreny General), Elyakim Rubinstein, recommended forming the committee.
The recommendations took effect 2000; they specifically state that compensation is paid for victims of violence not carried out by the Israeli army, and that the victims of this violence are not taking legal civil actions against the state, aka suing the state.
Furthermore, Haaretz said that another committee, known as the “Others Committee”, is in charge of compensating Palestinian victims of Israeli military violence, but the committee does not have a big budget, does not even have a website, and pays hundreds of thousands of Israeli Shekels each year.
It also said that the website of the Israeli Defense Ministry does not even have instructions on how to contact this committee, and added that this committee handed a few cases of settler violence that took place against the Palestinians in 2008 when the army evicted settlers from a Palestinian property in the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Israeli Television has reported that this committee recently paid a Palestinian the amount of NIS 140.000 following an injury he suffered when extremist settlers hurled a rock it him near the Yitzhar illegal settlement, in the northern West Bank district of Nablus.
Another Palestinian received NIS 27000 after being violently beaten and assaulted by Israeli settlers, and a third received NIS 28000 after the settlers torched his car, and a fourth was paid NIS 20000 when settlers destroyed his olive grove, Haaretz reported.
Extremist settler groups are responsible for hundreds of attacks against the Palestinians, their property and orchards, in addition to escalating attacks against Islamic and Christian holy sites and graveyards.
Israeli daily, Haaretz, has reported that the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is seeking aid from international organizations to provide the compensations based on criteria it is currently working on.
The sought aid is will not only be financial, and would be based on estimates done by the UN regarding the amount of damage inflicted in each individual case.
Haaretz said that the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank does not have the means to provide compensation for Palestinian victims of settler violence, and quoted an official stating that Israel is responsible for the settlers and their actions in the occupied territories.
The official told Haaretz that when the settlers for instance burn a mosque, there is no problem is raising money to repair it, but the real issue is raising money for individuals harmed by the settlers and their escalating attacks.
According to Haaretz, Palestinians who are hurt in Jewish nationalistic attacks in the occupied territories are not granted compensation from the state, as hate crimes law in Israel does not include those Palestinians.
Yet, if Palestinians legally enter Israel, after being granted permits, and are subject to Israeli violence, then they are entitled to compensation from the Israeli Tax Authority or the National Insurance Institute.
Haaretz further said that, in 1999, Israel formed a committee in charge of compensations for Palestinians hurt by Israel violence. Supreme Court Justice (then Attoreny General), Elyakim Rubinstein, recommended forming the committee.
The recommendations took effect 2000; they specifically state that compensation is paid for victims of violence not carried out by the Israeli army, and that the victims of this violence are not taking legal civil actions against the state, aka suing the state.
Furthermore, Haaretz said that another committee, known as the “Others Committee”, is in charge of compensating Palestinian victims of Israeli military violence, but the committee does not have a big budget, does not even have a website, and pays hundreds of thousands of Israeli Shekels each year.
It also said that the website of the Israeli Defense Ministry does not even have instructions on how to contact this committee, and added that this committee handed a few cases of settler violence that took place against the Palestinians in 2008 when the army evicted settlers from a Palestinian property in the southern West Bank city of Hebron.
Israeli Television has reported that this committee recently paid a Palestinian the amount of NIS 140.000 following an injury he suffered when extremist settlers hurled a rock it him near the Yitzhar illegal settlement, in the northern West Bank district of Nablus.
Another Palestinian received NIS 27000 after being violently beaten and assaulted by Israeli settlers, and a third received NIS 28000 after the settlers torched his car, and a fourth was paid NIS 20000 when settlers destroyed his olive grove, Haaretz reported.
Extremist settler groups are responsible for hundreds of attacks against the Palestinians, their property and orchards, in addition to escalating attacks against Islamic and Christian holy sites and graveyards.
5 june 2013
the European Union (EU) has contributed approximately €19.2 million to the payment of May's salaries and pensions of nearly 75,000 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the European Commission said in a press release. This contribution, which is channeled through the PEGASE mechanism, is funded by the European Commission (€12.5 million) and the governments of Denmark(around €4.7 million) and Finland (€2 million).
"This contribution once more demonstrates the EU's determination to sustain the work of the Palestinian Authority and ensure the provision of essential services to the Palestinian people", said the EU Representative Mr. John Gatt-Rutter. "It is also a clear example of EU Member States working together to realize our common political objective of an independent, democratic and viable state ofPalestine. I would like to thank Denmark and Finland for their contribution to the programme", added the EU Representative.
It's worth mentioning that most of the European Union's assistance to the Palestinian Authority is channelled through PEGASE, the financial mechanism launched in 2008 to support the PA Reform and Development Plan (2008-2010) and the subsequent PA Palestinian National Plan (2011-2013). As well as helping to meet a substantial proportion of its running costs, European funds support major reform and development programmes in key ministries, to help prepare the PA for statehood in line with the state-building plan put forward by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in August 2009. Since February 2008, around €1.49 billion have been disbursed through the PEGASE Direct Financial Support programmes. In addition, the EU has provided assistance to the Palestinian people through UNRWA and a wide range of cooperation projects.
"This contribution once more demonstrates the EU's determination to sustain the work of the Palestinian Authority and ensure the provision of essential services to the Palestinian people", said the EU Representative Mr. John Gatt-Rutter. "It is also a clear example of EU Member States working together to realize our common political objective of an independent, democratic and viable state ofPalestine. I would like to thank Denmark and Finland for their contribution to the programme", added the EU Representative.
It's worth mentioning that most of the European Union's assistance to the Palestinian Authority is channelled through PEGASE, the financial mechanism launched in 2008 to support the PA Reform and Development Plan (2008-2010) and the subsequent PA Palestinian National Plan (2011-2013). As well as helping to meet a substantial proportion of its running costs, European funds support major reform and development programmes in key ministries, to help prepare the PA for statehood in line with the state-building plan put forward by Prime Minister Salam Fayyad in August 2009. Since February 2008, around €1.49 billion have been disbursed through the PEGASE Direct Financial Support programmes. In addition, the EU has provided assistance to the Palestinian people through UNRWA and a wide range of cooperation projects.
A total of 1.3 million people representing 27% of households in Palestine remain food insecure, according to an official report. IA report, issued by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) on World Environment Day on 5 June, confirmed that "according to classification of the World Food Program, FAO, and UNRWA, on Palestinian households with regard to food security; a total of 1.3 million people representing 27% of households in Palestine remain food insecure in 2011".
The report added that 14% of the households are vulnerable to food insecurity, 22% are marginally secure and 37% are food secure. It is important to note that food security rates include the impact of any assistance received during the reference period.
According to FAO, food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
The report added that 14% of the households are vulnerable to food insecurity, 22% are marginally secure and 37% are food secure. It is important to note that food security rates include the impact of any assistance received during the reference period.
According to FAO, food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
4 june 2013
The results of the survey indicated that the value of construction of new buildings and additions in Palestine in 2012 was USD 908.9 million, Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said in a press release.
The cost of current maintenance of existing buildings was USD 246.8 million in 2012: USD 177.8 million in West Bank and USD 69.0 million in Gaza Strip.
Capital repairs and improvements to existing buildings totaled USD 392.8 million in 2012: USD 310.3 million in West Bank and USD 82.5 million in Gaza Strip.
The results also indicated that the value of construction of new buildings and additions in Palestine increased by 2.1% compared to 2011. The cost of current maintenance of existing buildings increased by 28.9% compared to 2011, while the cost value of capital additions, repairs and improvements to buildings decreased by 12.0% in 2012 compared to 2011.
The cost of current maintenance of existing buildings was USD 246.8 million in 2012: USD 177.8 million in West Bank and USD 69.0 million in Gaza Strip.
Capital repairs and improvements to existing buildings totaled USD 392.8 million in 2012: USD 310.3 million in West Bank and USD 82.5 million in Gaza Strip.
The results also indicated that the value of construction of new buildings and additions in Palestine increased by 2.1% compared to 2011. The cost of current maintenance of existing buildings increased by 28.9% compared to 2011, while the cost value of capital additions, repairs and improvements to buildings decreased by 12.0% in 2012 compared to 2011.
2 june 2013
The Palestinian trade unions reiterated their rejection of all moves to normalize relations with the Israeli occupation and stressed their adherence to the national rights and constants. In a press release on Saturday, the unions denounced the recent initiative that was made by Mahmoud Abbas to break the stalemate in the "peace process" and his meeting with the Israeli president on the sideline of the world economic forum.
They stressed that the Israeli occupation is persistent in its crimes and violations against the Palestinians and must not be confronted with submissiveness.
The unions also expressed their rejection of all kinds of normalization with the occupation, especially the meetings which took place between Palestinian businessmen and Israelis in occupied Haifa and world economic forum.
It noted that a group of businessmen established with their Israeli counterparts a joint institution for commercial litigation.
It also criticized the participation of Palestinian children in a football tournament held recently in the Israeli city Holon under the slogan "united neighbors.
They stressed that the Israeli occupation is persistent in its crimes and violations against the Palestinians and must not be confronted with submissiveness.
The unions also expressed their rejection of all kinds of normalization with the occupation, especially the meetings which took place between Palestinian businessmen and Israelis in occupied Haifa and world economic forum.
It noted that a group of businessmen established with their Israeli counterparts a joint institution for commercial litigation.
It also criticized the participation of Palestinian children in a football tournament held recently in the Israeli city Holon under the slogan "united neighbors.
1 june 2013
Dozens of Palestinians took to the streets in Nablus on Saturday to protest the high cost of living and demand the cancellation of the Paris Protocol signed in 1994.
Protesters called on the Palestinian Authority to reduce the cost of essential commodities, urging PA officials to raise salaries and not the price of basic goods.
Earlier this week, protesters marched against high prices and unemployment in Duheisha refugee camp, Bethlehem, calling on the PA to lower prices so people can meet their everyday needs.
The PA announced last week that it would raise VAT by 1 percent starting in June. Head of taxes and VAT Ahmad Al-Hilo told Ma'an that the raise will lead to an increase of 1 percent in overall prices. The rise puts the overall tax rate on goods at 16 percent.
Al-Hilo told Ma'an that authorities were forced to raise the VAT because Israel raised it to 18 percent and, according to the Paris economic agreement, the difference between the Palestinian Authority and Israel should not be more than 2 percent.
The Paris Protocol was signed in 1994 as an annex to the Oslo Accords that established the interim Palestinian government.
The Protocol gave Israel sole control over Palestine's external trade, and collection of customs duties, allowing the state to serially hold back this revenue as punishment for Palestinian political measures, such as the bid for UN membership.
Frustrated by rising prices and high levels of unemployment, Palestinians took to the streets in September last year to protest the dire economic outlook.
Protesters chanted against the Oslo peace accords and some set fire to copies of the Paris Protocol.
Protesters called on the Palestinian Authority to reduce the cost of essential commodities, urging PA officials to raise salaries and not the price of basic goods.
Earlier this week, protesters marched against high prices and unemployment in Duheisha refugee camp, Bethlehem, calling on the PA to lower prices so people can meet their everyday needs.
The PA announced last week that it would raise VAT by 1 percent starting in June. Head of taxes and VAT Ahmad Al-Hilo told Ma'an that the raise will lead to an increase of 1 percent in overall prices. The rise puts the overall tax rate on goods at 16 percent.
Al-Hilo told Ma'an that authorities were forced to raise the VAT because Israel raised it to 18 percent and, according to the Paris economic agreement, the difference between the Palestinian Authority and Israel should not be more than 2 percent.
The Paris Protocol was signed in 1994 as an annex to the Oslo Accords that established the interim Palestinian government.
The Protocol gave Israel sole control over Palestine's external trade, and collection of customs duties, allowing the state to serially hold back this revenue as punishment for Palestinian political measures, such as the bid for UN membership.
Frustrated by rising prices and high levels of unemployment, Palestinians took to the streets in September last year to protest the dire economic outlook.
Protesters chanted against the Oslo peace accords and some set fire to copies of the Paris Protocol.
