1 sept 2013
A Palestinian girl waits to cross into Egypt from the Gaza Strip, at the Rafah crossing, on 24 August 2013
The Egyptian army began demolishing homes along the country’s border with the Gaza Strip today, an Israeli-style tactic carried out under the pretext of creating a “buffer zone” to “reduce weapons smuggling and illegal crossings by militants.”
In fact, Egypt is tightening its side of the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, deepening the economic and medical crisis faced by the territory’s almost 1.7 million Palestinian residents.
The dramatic effects of the tightening siege are revealed in the July monthly humanitarian report, [PDF] published on 23 August by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Meanwhile, the UN reports that Israel more doubled its number of violent attacks on Gaza fishermen in the first half of this year.
Cut off
Since the military coup that overthrew Egypt’s elected president Muhammad Morsi on 3 July, Egyptian authorities have kept the Rafah border crossing with Gaza closed for prolonged periods or operating far below normal levels.
“The average number of people passing per day in July was 540, less than 30 per cent of the approximately 1,860 who crossed daily in June,” OCHA notes.
“The crossing remains the primary exit and entry point to the Gaza Strip for Palestinians, due to the long-standing restrictions imposed by Israel on pedestrian movement via the Erez Crossing.”
Egypt has justified its restrictions often based on fabricated and baseless allegations demonizing Palestinians and claiming that Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza are engaged in hostilities against Egypt.
Medical patients badly affected
With the border so restricted, the effect on people traveling for medical care has been severe.
The Palestinian Authority health ministry routinely refers patients in Gaza for treatment at hospitals in Egypt or Israel – services for which it must pay – due to the inadequacy of health services in the occupied territory.
In July, however, “a total of 131 patients, of whom 22 were children up to 17 years old, were referred by the [health ministry] to Egypt, less than half the usual number,” OCHA reported.
But there were “no compensatory increases” in “referrals through Erez checkpoint to the West Bank and Israel, or to non-Ministry facilities within Gaza in July, suggesting that patients chose to delay medical treatment, rather than seek to obtain a permit to exit through Erez to alternative hospitals.”
Obtaining permission to travel through the Erez crossing into present-day Israel remains onerous and harrowing for Palestinians and, as OCHA states, “Patients aged 18-40 years, especially males, are most often required to submit to Israeli security interviews as part of the application process for permits to exit via Erez. Companions must also apply for permits, and may likewise be called for interviews.”
Israel has often attempted to blackmail Palestinian patients into becoming informers for its secret services in exchange for permission to receive life-saving medical care.
Along with medical patients, thousands of students and other travelers have faced long delays, or have been unable to travel at all.
Essential medicine supplies hit “zero”
Since the coup in Egypt, OCHA reports, “the Ministry of Health in Gaza began restricting X-rays and limiting certain drugs to emergency use only, due to low supplies and the unreliable flow of medical supplies via the Rafah Crossing.”
At the end of July, “27 per cent (128 items) of essential medicines were at zero stock in the Central Drug Store in Gaza and 16 per cent (78 items) were at low stock (between 1-3 months’ supply).”
OCHA adds:
Twenty-five per cent of [Gaza’s] drug supplies are normally received from, or through, Egypt via this crossing. Two principal Egyptian donors, the Arab Physicians Union and the Physicians Syndicate, are expected to halt donations to Gaza in view of current urgent needs in Egypt. These groups have played a crucial role as a source for rapid supply of critical items, such as dialysis solutions, common chemotherapy drugs, Factor VIII for haemophilia, immunosuppressants for kidney transplant patients and treatments for other chronic blood disease conditions. Any sustained gap in the supply of these items would have immediate negative impact on patients. The Human Appeal International (United Arab Emirates) and Qatar Red Crescent also provide donations to the MoH in Gaza via Rafah, but according to the MoH, only one drug shipment has been received via that route since 30 June, from an Italian NGO.
Construction industry collapsing
The Egyptian army began demolishing homes along the country’s border with the Gaza Strip today, an Israeli-style tactic carried out under the pretext of creating a “buffer zone” to “reduce weapons smuggling and illegal crossings by militants.”
In fact, Egypt is tightening its side of the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip, deepening the economic and medical crisis faced by the territory’s almost 1.7 million Palestinian residents.
The dramatic effects of the tightening siege are revealed in the July monthly humanitarian report, [PDF] published on 23 August by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Meanwhile, the UN reports that Israel more doubled its number of violent attacks on Gaza fishermen in the first half of this year.
Cut off
Since the military coup that overthrew Egypt’s elected president Muhammad Morsi on 3 July, Egyptian authorities have kept the Rafah border crossing with Gaza closed for prolonged periods or operating far below normal levels.
“The average number of people passing per day in July was 540, less than 30 per cent of the approximately 1,860 who crossed daily in June,” OCHA notes.
“The crossing remains the primary exit and entry point to the Gaza Strip for Palestinians, due to the long-standing restrictions imposed by Israel on pedestrian movement via the Erez Crossing.”
Egypt has justified its restrictions often based on fabricated and baseless allegations demonizing Palestinians and claiming that Hamas and Palestinians in Gaza are engaged in hostilities against Egypt.
Medical patients badly affected
With the border so restricted, the effect on people traveling for medical care has been severe.
The Palestinian Authority health ministry routinely refers patients in Gaza for treatment at hospitals in Egypt or Israel – services for which it must pay – due to the inadequacy of health services in the occupied territory.
In July, however, “a total of 131 patients, of whom 22 were children up to 17 years old, were referred by the [health ministry] to Egypt, less than half the usual number,” OCHA reported.
But there were “no compensatory increases” in “referrals through Erez checkpoint to the West Bank and Israel, or to non-Ministry facilities within Gaza in July, suggesting that patients chose to delay medical treatment, rather than seek to obtain a permit to exit through Erez to alternative hospitals.”
Obtaining permission to travel through the Erez crossing into present-day Israel remains onerous and harrowing for Palestinians and, as OCHA states, “Patients aged 18-40 years, especially males, are most often required to submit to Israeli security interviews as part of the application process for permits to exit via Erez. Companions must also apply for permits, and may likewise be called for interviews.”
Israel has often attempted to blackmail Palestinian patients into becoming informers for its secret services in exchange for permission to receive life-saving medical care.
Along with medical patients, thousands of students and other travelers have faced long delays, or have been unable to travel at all.
Essential medicine supplies hit “zero”
Since the coup in Egypt, OCHA reports, “the Ministry of Health in Gaza began restricting X-rays and limiting certain drugs to emergency use only, due to low supplies and the unreliable flow of medical supplies via the Rafah Crossing.”
At the end of July, “27 per cent (128 items) of essential medicines were at zero stock in the Central Drug Store in Gaza and 16 per cent (78 items) were at low stock (between 1-3 months’ supply).”
OCHA adds:
Twenty-five per cent of [Gaza’s] drug supplies are normally received from, or through, Egypt via this crossing. Two principal Egyptian donors, the Arab Physicians Union and the Physicians Syndicate, are expected to halt donations to Gaza in view of current urgent needs in Egypt. These groups have played a crucial role as a source for rapid supply of critical items, such as dialysis solutions, common chemotherapy drugs, Factor VIII for haemophilia, immunosuppressants for kidney transplant patients and treatments for other chronic blood disease conditions. Any sustained gap in the supply of these items would have immediate negative impact on patients. The Human Appeal International (United Arab Emirates) and Qatar Red Crescent also provide donations to the MoH in Gaza via Rafah, but according to the MoH, only one drug shipment has been received via that route since 30 June, from an Italian NGO.
Construction industry collapsing
Palestinians in Rafah, Gaza watch as Egyptian forces on the other side destroy supply tunnels running under the border, on 1 September 2013
Egypt has intensified its efforts to destroy the tunnels under the border with Gaza, that are a vital lifeline for the territory’s economy.
Because of Israel’s embargo, OCHA says, the “tunnels remain the main entry point for the transfer of construction materials into the Gaza Strip.”
In July, Egypt’s crackdown “included the destruction and flooding of tunnels, as well as the extensive deployment of security forces and the imposition of severe restrictions on access to the tunnel areas.”
Egypt has intensified its efforts to destroy the tunnels under the border with Gaza, that are a vital lifeline for the territory’s economy.
Because of Israel’s embargo, OCHA says, the “tunnels remain the main entry point for the transfer of construction materials into the Gaza Strip.”
In July, Egypt’s crackdown “included the destruction and flooding of tunnels, as well as the extensive deployment of security forces and the imposition of severe restrictions on access to the tunnel areas.”
A Palestinian worker rests in a supply tunnel beneath the Gaza-Egypt border on 27 August 2013
As a consequences, OCHA reports:
The Palestinian Federation of Industries estimated that, on average, around 1,500 tonnes of construction materials entered Gaza through the tunnels per day, compared to 7,500 tonnes prior to the imposition of the recent measures. The price of construction materials on local markets rose sharply before declining to between 20 to 30 per cent above the normal price by the end of the month, and leading to a sharp slowdown in construction activities and the operation of concrete mix factories.
The crackdown on the tunnels has also caused chronic shortages of fuel.
Meanwhile, Israel has attempted to paint the situation in Gaza as normal, or even flourishing, as when it published a cynical piece of propaganda claiming that Gaza is prospering.
An Israeli army propaganda release in August notoriously included an image of a luxury shopping mall in Malaysia that it falsely claimed was in the Gaza Strip.
Attacks on fishermen more than double
Under the 1993 Oslo accords, Palestinians are supposed to be able to fish up to 20 nautical miles from the coast of Gaza. But Israel violently enforces a unilateral three-mile limit in violation of the agreements.
Since the ceasefire agreement after Israel’s November 2012 attack on Gaza, there has been a sharp increase in Israeli attacks on fishing boats, according to OCHA:
The number of violent incidents recorded during the first half of 2013, in the context of the enforcement of access restrictions at sea by the Israeli Navy, significantly increased compared to the previous six months (July-December 2012): shooting incidents more than doubled (95 vs. 43); incidents involving injuries were recorded for the first time in over a year (5 vs. 0); and the number of incidents in which fishing equipment was damaged or confiscated also increased significantly (12 vs.2). On the other hand, the number of fishermen detained (13 vs. 42) and boats confiscated (3 vs. 7) decreased significantly, while the number of boats damaged or destroyed was comparable to the previous reporting period (8 vs.9).
Palestinians now face an additional danger at sea. Medics reported on Friday that Egyptian gunboats opened fire on Palestinian fishing boats injuring two fishermen. Five others were detained, reports said.
The space in which Palestinians can try to ply their trade and earn a living at sea, or on land, in Gaza is being squeezed in a vice between Israel and its Egyptian army allies.
“Gaza has never harmed Egypt”
Palestinians in Gaza are feeling the pressure. As Asem Alnabeh, a university student in the territory commented on Twitter, “In Mubarak’s time … the occupation announced the war on Gaza from the heart of Cairo. But today [Israel] does not need to carry out a new war. The Egyptian army does it instead.”
Alnabeh was referring to the violent threats made during a visit to Cairo by Israel’s then foreign minister Tzipi Livni, just days before Israel’s December 2008 – January 2009 invasion of Gaza that killed 1,400 persons.
“Gaza has never harmed Egypt for a single day,” Alnabeh added, expressing the frustration many in Gaza feel at Egypt’s actions.
“We are ready to die for your sake. We supported your revolution and never fired a bullet toward you. Why are you joining hands with the occupation in fighting against Gaza?”
As a consequences, OCHA reports:
The Palestinian Federation of Industries estimated that, on average, around 1,500 tonnes of construction materials entered Gaza through the tunnels per day, compared to 7,500 tonnes prior to the imposition of the recent measures. The price of construction materials on local markets rose sharply before declining to between 20 to 30 per cent above the normal price by the end of the month, and leading to a sharp slowdown in construction activities and the operation of concrete mix factories.
The crackdown on the tunnels has also caused chronic shortages of fuel.
Meanwhile, Israel has attempted to paint the situation in Gaza as normal, or even flourishing, as when it published a cynical piece of propaganda claiming that Gaza is prospering.
An Israeli army propaganda release in August notoriously included an image of a luxury shopping mall in Malaysia that it falsely claimed was in the Gaza Strip.
Attacks on fishermen more than double
Under the 1993 Oslo accords, Palestinians are supposed to be able to fish up to 20 nautical miles from the coast of Gaza. But Israel violently enforces a unilateral three-mile limit in violation of the agreements.
Since the ceasefire agreement after Israel’s November 2012 attack on Gaza, there has been a sharp increase in Israeli attacks on fishing boats, according to OCHA:
The number of violent incidents recorded during the first half of 2013, in the context of the enforcement of access restrictions at sea by the Israeli Navy, significantly increased compared to the previous six months (July-December 2012): shooting incidents more than doubled (95 vs. 43); incidents involving injuries were recorded for the first time in over a year (5 vs. 0); and the number of incidents in which fishing equipment was damaged or confiscated also increased significantly (12 vs.2). On the other hand, the number of fishermen detained (13 vs. 42) and boats confiscated (3 vs. 7) decreased significantly, while the number of boats damaged or destroyed was comparable to the previous reporting period (8 vs.9).
Palestinians now face an additional danger at sea. Medics reported on Friday that Egyptian gunboats opened fire on Palestinian fishing boats injuring two fishermen. Five others were detained, reports said.
The space in which Palestinians can try to ply their trade and earn a living at sea, or on land, in Gaza is being squeezed in a vice between Israel and its Egyptian army allies.
“Gaza has never harmed Egypt”
Palestinians in Gaza are feeling the pressure. As Asem Alnabeh, a university student in the territory commented on Twitter, “In Mubarak’s time … the occupation announced the war on Gaza from the heart of Cairo. But today [Israel] does not need to carry out a new war. The Egyptian army does it instead.”
Alnabeh was referring to the violent threats made during a visit to Cairo by Israel’s then foreign minister Tzipi Livni, just days before Israel’s December 2008 – January 2009 invasion of Gaza that killed 1,400 persons.
“Gaza has never harmed Egypt for a single day,” Alnabeh added, expressing the frustration many in Gaza feel at Egypt’s actions.
“We are ready to die for your sake. We supported your revolution and never fired a bullet toward you. Why are you joining hands with the occupation in fighting against Gaza?”
Saudi Arabia will donate $200 million to Palestinian municipal councils, Saudi media reported Sunday.
Saudi Minister of Municipal Affairs Mansour Ibn Mitib announced the funding at the inauguration of the 13th congress of the Organization of Islamic Cities and Capitals in Mecca, the Saudi daily Al-Riyadh reported.
The funding, allocated by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, will help develop and expand infrastructure in Palestinian cities to support residents against "Zionist judaization and settlement attacks," the minister said.
It will be used for the maintenance, expansion and renovation of water refinement stations and power plants, he said, and to develop sewage refineries and improve hospitals and medical centers.
Saudi Minister of Municipal Affairs Mansour Ibn Mitib announced the funding at the inauguration of the 13th congress of the Organization of Islamic Cities and Capitals in Mecca, the Saudi daily Al-Riyadh reported.
The funding, allocated by Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, will help develop and expand infrastructure in Palestinian cities to support residents against "Zionist judaization and settlement attacks," the minister said.
It will be used for the maintenance, expansion and renovation of water refinement stations and power plants, he said, and to develop sewage refineries and improve hospitals and medical centers.
The Palestinian Authority will pay August salaries to government employees by Tuesday, caretaker Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said Sunday.
Hamdallah said public sector wages would be paid within 48 hours during a visit to Salfit in the northern West Bank.
Hamdallah and Health Minister Jawad Awad were welcomed by Salfit governor Issam Abu Baker.
The health minister announced that an intensive care unit would be opened at the Yasser Arafat Hospital in Salfit within days.
Awad added that the health ministry would appoint a specialist in internal diseases to the hospital.
Hamdallah said public sector wages would be paid within 48 hours during a visit to Salfit in the northern West Bank.
Hamdallah and Health Minister Jawad Awad were welcomed by Salfit governor Issam Abu Baker.
The health minister announced that an intensive care unit would be opened at the Yasser Arafat Hospital in Salfit within days.
Awad added that the health ministry would appoint a specialist in internal diseases to the hospital.
The Gaza Strip's only power plant’s Director has warned on Sunday of possible energy crisis due to the shortage in diesel quantities needed to operate the plant. The crisis started after the Egyptian authorities destroyed all tunnels along the Gaza Strip boarders. Palestinians used to smuggle Egyptian fuel in addition to other main materials via these tunnels.
"The Gaza power plant tries its best to maintain the current timetable of electricity distribution to the Strip without any defect,” an official from Gaza's energy authority, Ahmad Abu al-Amrin said.
However, he added in case the crisis of fuel continue, the timetable will be affected severely. Abu al-Amrin hoped that contacts with the Egyptian authorities could be fruitful so they can avoid immanent electricity crisis.
The power plant produces about a third of Gaza's electricity. It suffers frequent outages and has already been forced to shut in several occasions in the past. About one million Palestinians have been affected by the latest cuts, with most having to use generators.
"The Gaza power plant tries its best to maintain the current timetable of electricity distribution to the Strip without any defect,” an official from Gaza's energy authority, Ahmad Abu al-Amrin said.
However, he added in case the crisis of fuel continue, the timetable will be affected severely. Abu al-Amrin hoped that contacts with the Egyptian authorities could be fruitful so they can avoid immanent electricity crisis.
The power plant produces about a third of Gaza's electricity. It suffers frequent outages and has already been forced to shut in several occasions in the past. About one million Palestinians have been affected by the latest cuts, with most having to use generators.
31 aug 2013
Archive: Clearing debris of building flattened by Israeli shelling
The Qatari Commission for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip received Friday tenders for three major projects with a budget estimated at $ 100 million. Director of the Technical Office of the Qatari Commission Ahmed Abu Ras said during a ceremony Friday at the Mashtal Hotel northwest of Gaza City that “the past period has seen many projects implemented by local construction companies.
He explained that the three projects mentioned included “the first phase of Sheikh Hamad Residential City (1060 housing units), and the first phase of development and rehabilitation of Al-Rashid Street project, and the establishment of Sheikh Hamad Hospital for rehabilitation and prosthetics,”
“Receipt of these tenders had been twice postponed due to June 2013 developments in Egypt,” he added.
“The raw materials and equipment necessary to these projects used to naturally enter through the Rafah crossing,” noting that “the suspension of entry of these materials was limited to a few days during the tense security situation in Egypt,”
Deputy Chairman of the Federation Contractors Nabil Abu Meileq hoped to benefit the largest possible number of Palestinian construction companies from the Qatari grant projects.
He stressed the importance of a steady flow of construction materials through the Rafah crossing, calling on the Commission to announce more bids to help thrive the Gaza private sector.
For his part, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works in Gaza Naji Sarhan praised what these projects have provided to the economic activity in the Gaza Strip, pointing to the large number of employment opportunities.
The Qatari Commission for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip received Friday tenders for three major projects with a budget estimated at $ 100 million. Director of the Technical Office of the Qatari Commission Ahmed Abu Ras said during a ceremony Friday at the Mashtal Hotel northwest of Gaza City that “the past period has seen many projects implemented by local construction companies.
He explained that the three projects mentioned included “the first phase of Sheikh Hamad Residential City (1060 housing units), and the first phase of development and rehabilitation of Al-Rashid Street project, and the establishment of Sheikh Hamad Hospital for rehabilitation and prosthetics,”
“Receipt of these tenders had been twice postponed due to June 2013 developments in Egypt,” he added.
“The raw materials and equipment necessary to these projects used to naturally enter through the Rafah crossing,” noting that “the suspension of entry of these materials was limited to a few days during the tense security situation in Egypt,”
Deputy Chairman of the Federation Contractors Nabil Abu Meileq hoped to benefit the largest possible number of Palestinian construction companies from the Qatari grant projects.
He stressed the importance of a steady flow of construction materials through the Rafah crossing, calling on the Commission to announce more bids to help thrive the Gaza private sector.
For his part, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works in Gaza Naji Sarhan praised what these projects have provided to the economic activity in the Gaza Strip, pointing to the large number of employment opportunities.
29 aug 2013
Both the Palestinians and Israel should know that the world will not bankroll Palestinian Authority state-building forever, and that if progress is not made the donations will stop, Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told The Jerusalem Post Tuesday.
"The donors will not be ready to keep funding Palestinian state-building much longer if we are not seeing a political horizon," said Eide.
Norway heads the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which is the international group of donors scheduled to meet next month in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting.
Eide said it was important for both sides to know – as they have just restarted negotiations – that the world was not willing to provide a blank check.
"I think this is important for the Palestinians to know, because if anyone there thought they could sort of just fall back to the comfort of an internationally subsidized state-building endeavor, that may be wrong," he said in an interview. "And I think that it is important for some people on the Israeli side – living in reasonable comfort [given] that cooperation with the pseudo-state in the West Bank is quite good – to know that this cannot continue forever."
Eide, who stated he was no starry-eyed optimist when it comes to the Middle East peace process, said he was "somewhat more encouraged" about the prospects of successful negotiations than he was before he arrived for two days of meetings on Monday.
"There are two basic reasons for my relative optimism this time compared to previous rounds," he said.
One was his sense, after speaking to leaders on both sides, that Ramallah and Jerusalem both understood that "this might be the last opportunity for a two-state solution according to the Oslo paradigm."
If this round fails, he said, "there will probably not be another round and something else will happen.... I think we are at the point where we will either move ahead or backward to a very different situation."
Eide said that the second reason for his optimism had to do with the "dramatic events everywhere in the region, from Egypt to Syria, Lebanon and the apocalyptic terror we are seeing all around."
Then, without pointing out the irony, he said that when looking at a map of the Middle East, "there are two small points of land that are more peaceful" – Israel and the West Bank.
"If the Israeli and Palestinian leaders look beyond their practical difficulties at the strategic picture, I think they have one point in common – they are on the same side when it comes to the big picture on Iran, Syria and the Muslim Brotherhood. Both Ramallah and Jerusalem want to reduce the influence of these actors."
One of the ways to reduce outside influence is to "try and get the classical conflict into a more positive phase," he said.
Having said that, Eide acknowledged that "there is a long list of problems that we all know; there are a lot of concessions to make."
The Norwegian foreign minister said he had been misquoted by his country's press before his arrival as saying that Israel's release of Palestinian terrorists was not "an especially big sacrifice."
He stressed to the Post that he believed the exact opposite – that the release of 26 terrorists was a "very important and very difficult concession which I know was hard to make."
Then, saying something that European leaders do not often articulate, he added: "I also think that the Palestinians must now be ready to make some concessions, first and foremost on contributing a sense of security for the people of Israel."
Eide spoke to the Post after visiting Gaza, where he stressed he did not meet anyone from Hamas.
The foreign minister said the rapid changes in Egypt that led to the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood's deposed president, Mohamed Morsi, had clearly weakened Hamas to the benefit of the Palestinian Authority.
"A year ago we feared that the center of gravity was slowly moving from the West Bank to Gaza. Now it is clearly back in the West Bank, where it should be," he said, adding that this was another reason to move purposefully now in the negotiations.
Eide said there was "deep frustration" in Gaza, as the living conditions there – following the developments in Egypt – had gotten worse.
"Until a few months ago they did get some goods through the tunnels and over Rafah, and now they are not getting that," he said. "While I do recognize that there [is a] certain improvement when it comes to Israeli policy [regarding goods allowed in], there is still a long way to go to compensate what they lost from Egypt."
With prices going up, problems of garbage collection, sewage and a lack of water, Eide said people in Gaza had a "sense of living in a prison" that was even greater than before.
"I think that could erupt into violence," he said. "What I am afraid of is that people's frustrations will increase, and a really weakened Hamas might try to take advantage of the frustration and try to gain credibility by doing something they should not do."
This article was originally published in The Jerusalem Post
"The donors will not be ready to keep funding Palestinian state-building much longer if we are not seeing a political horizon," said Eide.
Norway heads the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee, which is the international group of donors scheduled to meet next month in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting.
Eide said it was important for both sides to know – as they have just restarted negotiations – that the world was not willing to provide a blank check.
"I think this is important for the Palestinians to know, because if anyone there thought they could sort of just fall back to the comfort of an internationally subsidized state-building endeavor, that may be wrong," he said in an interview. "And I think that it is important for some people on the Israeli side – living in reasonable comfort [given] that cooperation with the pseudo-state in the West Bank is quite good – to know that this cannot continue forever."
Eide, who stated he was no starry-eyed optimist when it comes to the Middle East peace process, said he was "somewhat more encouraged" about the prospects of successful negotiations than he was before he arrived for two days of meetings on Monday.
"There are two basic reasons for my relative optimism this time compared to previous rounds," he said.
One was his sense, after speaking to leaders on both sides, that Ramallah and Jerusalem both understood that "this might be the last opportunity for a two-state solution according to the Oslo paradigm."
If this round fails, he said, "there will probably not be another round and something else will happen.... I think we are at the point where we will either move ahead or backward to a very different situation."
Eide said that the second reason for his optimism had to do with the "dramatic events everywhere in the region, from Egypt to Syria, Lebanon and the apocalyptic terror we are seeing all around."
Then, without pointing out the irony, he said that when looking at a map of the Middle East, "there are two small points of land that are more peaceful" – Israel and the West Bank.
"If the Israeli and Palestinian leaders look beyond their practical difficulties at the strategic picture, I think they have one point in common – they are on the same side when it comes to the big picture on Iran, Syria and the Muslim Brotherhood. Both Ramallah and Jerusalem want to reduce the influence of these actors."
One of the ways to reduce outside influence is to "try and get the classical conflict into a more positive phase," he said.
Having said that, Eide acknowledged that "there is a long list of problems that we all know; there are a lot of concessions to make."
The Norwegian foreign minister said he had been misquoted by his country's press before his arrival as saying that Israel's release of Palestinian terrorists was not "an especially big sacrifice."
He stressed to the Post that he believed the exact opposite – that the release of 26 terrorists was a "very important and very difficult concession which I know was hard to make."
Then, saying something that European leaders do not often articulate, he added: "I also think that the Palestinians must now be ready to make some concessions, first and foremost on contributing a sense of security for the people of Israel."
Eide spoke to the Post after visiting Gaza, where he stressed he did not meet anyone from Hamas.
The foreign minister said the rapid changes in Egypt that led to the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood's deposed president, Mohamed Morsi, had clearly weakened Hamas to the benefit of the Palestinian Authority.
"A year ago we feared that the center of gravity was slowly moving from the West Bank to Gaza. Now it is clearly back in the West Bank, where it should be," he said, adding that this was another reason to move purposefully now in the negotiations.
Eide said there was "deep frustration" in Gaza, as the living conditions there – following the developments in Egypt – had gotten worse.
"Until a few months ago they did get some goods through the tunnels and over Rafah, and now they are not getting that," he said. "While I do recognize that there [is a] certain improvement when it comes to Israeli policy [regarding goods allowed in], there is still a long way to go to compensate what they lost from Egypt."
With prices going up, problems of garbage collection, sewage and a lack of water, Eide said people in Gaza had a "sense of living in a prison" that was even greater than before.
"I think that could erupt into violence," he said. "What I am afraid of is that people's frustrations will increase, and a really weakened Hamas might try to take advantage of the frustration and try to gain credibility by doing something they should not do."
This article was originally published in The Jerusalem Post
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) announced in a press release that the Producer Price Index for Palestine with its base year (2011=100) reached 102.16 in July 2013, as it decreased by 1.17% compared to previous month.
Producer Price Index for locally consumed products (2011=100) reached 101.97 in July 2013, which indicates a decrease by 1.24% compared to June 2013.
Producer Price Index for exported products (2011=100) reached 104.06 in July 2013, which indicates a decrease by 0.48% compared to June 2013.
The changes of Producer Price Index for July 2013 were traced back to the decrease in the prices of the agriculture goods by 2.81%, manufacturing group by 0.34%, mining and quarrying by 0.35%, while the prices of fishing products increased by 28.06%.
Producer Price Index for locally consumed products (2011=100) reached 101.97 in July 2013, which indicates a decrease by 1.24% compared to June 2013.
Producer Price Index for exported products (2011=100) reached 104.06 in July 2013, which indicates a decrease by 0.48% compared to June 2013.
The changes of Producer Price Index for July 2013 were traced back to the decrease in the prices of the agriculture goods by 2.81%, manufacturing group by 0.34%, mining and quarrying by 0.35%, while the prices of fishing products increased by 28.06%.
28 aug 2013
Caretaker prime minister Rami Hamdallah reiterated his call on the international community to support the Palestinian economy amid obstacles imposed by Israel.
In a meeting with Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide, he discussed an upcoming donors conference in New York and stressed the importance of establishing a Palestinian state.
In a meeting with Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide, he discussed an upcoming donors conference in New York and stressed the importance of establishing a Palestinian state.
27 aug 2013
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) revealed in a press release that the number of building licenses in Palestine* rose compared to previous quarter of 2013 and the second quarter of 2012.
A total of 2,501 building licenses were issued in the second quarter of 2013.
The total number of building licenses issued in the second quarter of 2013 increased by 9.6% compared to the first quarter 2013. Also, the total number of building licenses issued for the second quarter of 2013 was 14.2% higher than in the second quarter of 2012.
The area of licensed buildings (residential and non-residential) totaled 1.082 million m2, of which new buildings made up 906 thousand m2 and existing buildings 176 thousand m2.
The total number of licensed dwellings was 4,369 of which 3,540 were new units with a total area of 593 thousand m2 and 829 were existing dwellings with a total area of 145 thousand m2.
The number of new dwellings in the second quarter of 2013 was 11.6% higher than in the first quarter of 2013 and 17.8% higher than the second quarter of 2012.
A total of 2,501 building licenses were issued in the second quarter of 2013.
The total number of building licenses issued in the second quarter of 2013 increased by 9.6% compared to the first quarter 2013. Also, the total number of building licenses issued for the second quarter of 2013 was 14.2% higher than in the second quarter of 2012.
The area of licensed buildings (residential and non-residential) totaled 1.082 million m2, of which new buildings made up 906 thousand m2 and existing buildings 176 thousand m2.
The total number of licensed dwellings was 4,369 of which 3,540 were new units with a total area of 593 thousand m2 and 829 were existing dwellings with a total area of 145 thousand m2.
The number of new dwellings in the second quarter of 2013 was 11.6% higher than in the first quarter of 2013 and 17.8% higher than the second quarter of 2012.
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) announced in a press release, the cost index of construction, road, water and sewage networks in the West Bank during July 2013, as follows:
The overall Construction Cost Index (CCI) reached 112.94 with a slight decrease of 0.04% in the West Bank during July 2013 compared to previous month.
The changes in the Construction Cost Index for July 2013 are traced back to the decrease in the cost of the raw materials by 0.07 comparing to the previous month, especially a decrease in the iron & steel by 0.88%.
The overall Road Cost Index (RCI) reached 117.06 with an increase of 0.10% in the West Bank during July 2013 compared to previous month.
The changes in the Road Cost Index for July 2013 are traced back to an increase in raw materials by 0.14%: quarries & quarrying products increased by 1.15%, road paints by 1.01%, Cement by 0.13%, cement products by 0.06%.
The overall Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI) reached 110.09 with a slight decrease of 0.05% in the West Bank during July 2013 compared to previous month.
The overall Sewage Networks Cost Index (SNCI) reached 107.11 with an increase of 0.13% in the West Bank during July 2013 compared to previous month.
The overall Construction Cost Index (CCI) reached 112.94 with a slight decrease of 0.04% in the West Bank during July 2013 compared to previous month.
The changes in the Construction Cost Index for July 2013 are traced back to the decrease in the cost of the raw materials by 0.07 comparing to the previous month, especially a decrease in the iron & steel by 0.88%.
The overall Road Cost Index (RCI) reached 117.06 with an increase of 0.10% in the West Bank during July 2013 compared to previous month.
The changes in the Road Cost Index for July 2013 are traced back to an increase in raw materials by 0.14%: quarries & quarrying products increased by 1.15%, road paints by 1.01%, Cement by 0.13%, cement products by 0.06%.
The overall Water Networks Cost Index (WNCI) reached 110.09 with a slight decrease of 0.05% in the West Bank during July 2013 compared to previous month.
The overall Sewage Networks Cost Index (SNCI) reached 107.11 with an increase of 0.13% in the West Bank during July 2013 compared to previous month.
25 aug 2013
Exports decreased in June 2013 by 1.0% compared to May and increased by 18.1% compared to June 2012 to reach $71.1 million, said Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) on Sunday. It said exports to Israel, which represented 89.7% of total June exports, decreased by 2.9% compared to May 2013.
Exports to other countries increased by 19.3% during the same period compared to May 2013.
Imports also decreased in June 2013 by 1.8% compared to May 2013 and increased by 9.3% compared to June 2012 to reach $389.1 million.
Imports from Israel, which represented 65.8% of total June imports, decreased by 0.8% compared to May 2013.
Imports from other countries decreased by 3.6% compared to May 2013, said PCBS.
The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, showed a decrease in trade deficit by 2.0% compared to May 2013 and increased by 7.5% compared to June 2012 to reach $318.0 million, according to PCBS.
Exports to other countries increased by 19.3% during the same period compared to May 2013.
Imports also decreased in June 2013 by 1.8% compared to May 2013 and increased by 9.3% compared to June 2012 to reach $389.1 million.
Imports from Israel, which represented 65.8% of total June imports, decreased by 0.8% compared to May 2013.
Imports from other countries decreased by 3.6% compared to May 2013, said PCBS.
The trade balance, which represents the difference between exports and imports, showed a decrease in trade deficit by 2.0% compared to May 2013 and increased by 7.5% compared to June 2012 to reach $318.0 million, according to PCBS.
24 aug 2013
The Palestinian Authority on Saturday signed two agreements with France worth a total of 19 million euros ($25 million), a statement said.
Around 9 million euros ($12 million) will go towards paying the salaries of over 180,000 PA employees, while 10 million ($13 million) euros will be used to construct a solid waste treatment plant in the Gaza Strip.
"We asked for France's assistance to lift in total the blockade Israel has imposed on Gaza so that we can develop the Gaza Strip," caretaker PA prime minister Rami Hamdallah was quoted as saying by Wafa.
Hamdallah told the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius that Israeli settlements obstruct the peace process and urged France to support projects in Area C and occupied East Jerusalem.
The caretaker PA prime minister is due to meet with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Sept. 9 to discuss financial support for the PA's budget.
Around 9 million euros ($12 million) will go towards paying the salaries of over 180,000 PA employees, while 10 million ($13 million) euros will be used to construct a solid waste treatment plant in the Gaza Strip.
"We asked for France's assistance to lift in total the blockade Israel has imposed on Gaza so that we can develop the Gaza Strip," caretaker PA prime minister Rami Hamdallah was quoted as saying by Wafa.
Hamdallah told the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius that Israeli settlements obstruct the peace process and urged France to support projects in Area C and occupied East Jerusalem.
The caretaker PA prime minister is due to meet with EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton on Sept. 9 to discuss financial support for the PA's budget.
Venezuela and the Palestinian Authority on Saturday signed agreements which include deals to sell oil to the occupied territories at a "fair price," Caracas said.
The accords were inked following a meeting between Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua and his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Malki.
"It is an agreement of cooperation and solidarity with our oil industry... a sale of fuel at a fair price," Jaua said at a press conference.
The agreement also guarantees "favorable" repayment terms as well as training of Palestinians on handling and distribution of oil.
Malki, who is on a tour of Latin America, said he was "extremely satisfied" with the agreement.
OPEC member Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves and produces up to three million barrels a day.
During the 14-year reign of Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer in March, Venezuela used its oil wealth to shore up leftist governments across Latin America, most notably Cuba.
Chavez, who often inveighed against US "imperialism," also cultivated close relations with Washington's foes, including Iran and Syria.
The accords were inked following a meeting between Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua and his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Malki.
"It is an agreement of cooperation and solidarity with our oil industry... a sale of fuel at a fair price," Jaua said at a press conference.
The agreement also guarantees "favorable" repayment terms as well as training of Palestinians on handling and distribution of oil.
Malki, who is on a tour of Latin America, said he was "extremely satisfied" with the agreement.
OPEC member Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves and produces up to three million barrels a day.
During the 14-year reign of Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer in March, Venezuela used its oil wealth to shore up leftist governments across Latin America, most notably Cuba.
Chavez, who often inveighed against US "imperialism," also cultivated close relations with Washington's foes, including Iran and Syria.
22 aug 2013
The Palestinian Authority will hold talks with European Union to increase financial support to the West Bank government, caretaker Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah said Thursday.
During a visit to Jericho, Hamdallah told reporters that talks would be held with a representative of EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton to increase aid to Palestine.
The premier said the government was working to ensure salaries would be paid on time until the end of the year.
He also urged residents of Jericho to pay their electricity bills on time, particularly following the reduction in fees.
During a visit to Jericho, Hamdallah told reporters that talks would be held with a representative of EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton to increase aid to Palestine.
The premier said the government was working to ensure salaries would be paid on time until the end of the year.
He also urged residents of Jericho to pay their electricity bills on time, particularly following the reduction in fees.
21 aug 2013
ashim Shawa, Chairman and General Manager of Bank of Palestine (BOP) announced that the Net profit has reached USD 18.71 million for the first half 2013, compared with USD 18.29 million that was achieved at the end of June 2012 by an increase of 2.30%. Shawa said that in 2013, BOP continued to be profitable and resilient, showing strong increases in several key performance indicators, despite regional instability and a challenging macroeconomic environment; net profit reached USD 18.71 million, compared with USD 18.29 million at the end of June 2012 by an increase of 2.30%; assets increased to reach USD 2.18 billion compared to USD 2 billion at the end of 2012 by an increase of 8.85%; and owner's equity reached USD 229 million compared to USD 221 million at the end of 2012 by an increase of 3.62%.
He also said, the bank's market share has also increased during the first half of 2013, to reach 25.24% and 21.91% in credit facilities and deposits respectively, compared with 23.75% and 20.77% as at end of 2012.
During this period, the bank continued its efforts in playing a vital role in economic growth by increasing our lending to all segments of the economy, thus increasing the loans portfolio by 5.04% to reach USD 1.03 billion, compared with USD 976 million as at end of December 2012. Deposits also witnessed a steady increase of 9.10% to reach USD 1.696 billion at end of June 2013, compared with USD 1.554 billion at end of 2012.
Shawa shared his optimistic outlook on the political and economic fronts driven mainly by US Secretary of State John Kerry's recent initiative in Palestine: "We are hopeful that this initiative will take a comprehensive approach and lead to both political and economic developments in the near future. These major developments and their potential outcome will only contribute to even more positive results for the bank, since we are well positioned to capitalise on the improving situation, and our business strategy has been built factoring in existing market conditions, therefore any improvement, will only lead to further success."
As a tribute to the bank's consistent performance, solid balance sheet, range and quality of its services, strong risk management and corporate governance, and positive impact on the Palestinian economy and society, Bank of Palestine has been recognized once again by several prestigious international institutions (including Euromoney, Global Finance, EMEA Finance, Banker ME and several others) as the "Best Bank in Palestine".
BOP also received a special commendation this year for Leadership in the Middle East as part of the "Sustainable Bank of the Year" award by the Financial Times (FT), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This commendation recognizes the bank's efforts in extending the reach of its sustainability strategy throughout the bank's entire operation including promoting sustainable finance, developing a sustainable economy, gender inclusion, and investing in youth. It also recognizes BOP's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that are based on a dynamic and well studied community outreach programme.
He also said, the bank's market share has also increased during the first half of 2013, to reach 25.24% and 21.91% in credit facilities and deposits respectively, compared with 23.75% and 20.77% as at end of 2012.
During this period, the bank continued its efforts in playing a vital role in economic growth by increasing our lending to all segments of the economy, thus increasing the loans portfolio by 5.04% to reach USD 1.03 billion, compared with USD 976 million as at end of December 2012. Deposits also witnessed a steady increase of 9.10% to reach USD 1.696 billion at end of June 2013, compared with USD 1.554 billion at end of 2012.
Shawa shared his optimistic outlook on the political and economic fronts driven mainly by US Secretary of State John Kerry's recent initiative in Palestine: "We are hopeful that this initiative will take a comprehensive approach and lead to both political and economic developments in the near future. These major developments and their potential outcome will only contribute to even more positive results for the bank, since we are well positioned to capitalise on the improving situation, and our business strategy has been built factoring in existing market conditions, therefore any improvement, will only lead to further success."
As a tribute to the bank's consistent performance, solid balance sheet, range and quality of its services, strong risk management and corporate governance, and positive impact on the Palestinian economy and society, Bank of Palestine has been recognized once again by several prestigious international institutions (including Euromoney, Global Finance, EMEA Finance, Banker ME and several others) as the "Best Bank in Palestine".
BOP also received a special commendation this year for Leadership in the Middle East as part of the "Sustainable Bank of the Year" award by the Financial Times (FT), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This commendation recognizes the bank's efforts in extending the reach of its sustainability strategy throughout the bank's entire operation including promoting sustainable finance, developing a sustainable economy, gender inclusion, and investing in youth. It also recognizes BOP's corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that are based on a dynamic and well studied community outreach programme.
19 aug 2013
All Palestinian universities are facing a crippling financial crisis and some have not been able to pay salaries regularly over the past two years, a union leader said Monday.
Amjad Barham, who heads a union of university professors and staff, told Ma’an that most Palestinian universities have accumulated unpaid salaries and other expenses. Thus, he added, universities will not be able to afford the basic preparations to provide a decent education if the situation remains unchanged.
He highlighted that the crippling financial crisis was a result of failure by consecutive Palestinian governments to pay even a minimum of the financial aid they were supposed to provide to universities. Governments, he said, pledged certain sums of aid in the past two years, but only 10 percent of that pledged aid was delivered. As for 2013, only 5 percent of the financial support to universities approved by the government has been delivered.
According to Barham, universities will not be able to fulfill their essential role in providing a decent education to Palestinian students if financial difficulties are not resolved.
Amjad Barham, who heads a union of university professors and staff, told Ma’an that most Palestinian universities have accumulated unpaid salaries and other expenses. Thus, he added, universities will not be able to afford the basic preparations to provide a decent education if the situation remains unchanged.
He highlighted that the crippling financial crisis was a result of failure by consecutive Palestinian governments to pay even a minimum of the financial aid they were supposed to provide to universities. Governments, he said, pledged certain sums of aid in the past two years, but only 10 percent of that pledged aid was delivered. As for 2013, only 5 percent of the financial support to universities approved by the government has been delivered.
According to Barham, universities will not be able to fulfill their essential role in providing a decent education to Palestinian students if financial difficulties are not resolved.
The Research and Monetary Policy Department of the PMA has released the results of PMA Business Cycle indicator (PMABCI) for August 2013. The PMABCI is a monthly index which aims to capture the state and evolution of the Palestinian business environment, reflecting fluctuations in production and economic activity overtime based on developments in the industrial sector.
The construction of the indicator follows international standards and is based on qualitative data obtained from monthly business surveys of a representative sample of industrial institutions' owners/ mangers on the value of the abovementioned indicators during a specified period, and their expectations for the coming months. After that, the data is processed to construct a quantitative PMABCI.
During August 2013, the PMABCI has witnessed a decrease from -1.21 in July to -3.88. The source of this decline comes from Gaza Strip (GS), as its indicator decreased notably while in the West Bank (WB) the indicator increased from 2.21 to 4.65. This increase for the second consecutive month indicates recovery in the WB after the contraction in June. The figure also clarifies the apparent fluctuations in the WB economic performance in the previous months as a result of various political and economic factors, especially the unclear prospect regarding the peace process and resuming the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, in addition to the continuous political schism between the WB and GS, and constraints on access and movements.
On the other hand, August indicator of GS witnessed a notable decrease compared to July, reaching a negative value for the first time since December 2012. GS indicator has declined to -8.32 compared to 1.76 in July. This contraction comes in the opposite direction to the slow improvement trend that GS indicator witnessed during previous months. In addition to current political conditions in GS related to the Israeli siege and political schism, a new factor has emerged and influenced various aspects of life in GS. In specific, the recent political unrest in Egypt has cast its direct effect on Gazan economy, especially affecting the free mobility of individuals and goods both ways. As a result, GS might be slated for a further slowdown as long as the current crisis in Egypt deteriorates.
On the sectoral level, most of industrial sub-sectors have decreased during August, especially in the largest industries: food, textile, and furniture. The biggest decrease came from the textile sub-sector as its indicator decreased from 1.33 to -1.48, followed by the decline in the furniture sub-sector indicator form 1.75 to -0.66, and the decline in food industry indicator from 1.97 to 0.22.
It is noteworthy that the maximum value of the PMABCI is positive 100, while the minimum is minus 100. A positive value indicates favorable economic performance, and the bigger this value, the better the economy. A negative value indicates that economic performance is deteriorating, and it worsens the closer it gets to minus 100. On the other hand, a value close to zero indicates that economic performance did not change and is unlikely to do so in the near future.
The construction of the indicator follows international standards and is based on qualitative data obtained from monthly business surveys of a representative sample of industrial institutions' owners/ mangers on the value of the abovementioned indicators during a specified period, and their expectations for the coming months. After that, the data is processed to construct a quantitative PMABCI.
During August 2013, the PMABCI has witnessed a decrease from -1.21 in July to -3.88. The source of this decline comes from Gaza Strip (GS), as its indicator decreased notably while in the West Bank (WB) the indicator increased from 2.21 to 4.65. This increase for the second consecutive month indicates recovery in the WB after the contraction in June. The figure also clarifies the apparent fluctuations in the WB economic performance in the previous months as a result of various political and economic factors, especially the unclear prospect regarding the peace process and resuming the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, in addition to the continuous political schism between the WB and GS, and constraints on access and movements.
On the other hand, August indicator of GS witnessed a notable decrease compared to July, reaching a negative value for the first time since December 2012. GS indicator has declined to -8.32 compared to 1.76 in July. This contraction comes in the opposite direction to the slow improvement trend that GS indicator witnessed during previous months. In addition to current political conditions in GS related to the Israeli siege and political schism, a new factor has emerged and influenced various aspects of life in GS. In specific, the recent political unrest in Egypt has cast its direct effect on Gazan economy, especially affecting the free mobility of individuals and goods both ways. As a result, GS might be slated for a further slowdown as long as the current crisis in Egypt deteriorates.
On the sectoral level, most of industrial sub-sectors have decreased during August, especially in the largest industries: food, textile, and furniture. The biggest decrease came from the textile sub-sector as its indicator decreased from 1.33 to -1.48, followed by the decline in the furniture sub-sector indicator form 1.75 to -0.66, and the decline in food industry indicator from 1.97 to 0.22.
It is noteworthy that the maximum value of the PMABCI is positive 100, while the minimum is minus 100. A positive value indicates favorable economic performance, and the bigger this value, the better the economy. A negative value indicates that economic performance is deteriorating, and it worsens the closer it gets to minus 100. On the other hand, a value close to zero indicates that economic performance did not change and is unlikely to do so in the near future.
18 aug 2013
Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah Sunday signed a $148 million agreement with the US government, represented by U.S. Consul General Michael Ratney, to support the Palestinian Authority’s budget. Hamdallah commended, during the signing ceremony, the US’s constant support for the Palestinians, stressing that such support contributes to the empowerment of institutions of the Palestinian state to provide basic services to Palestinians.
Ratney stressed the US’s commitment to support Palestinians and their national authority, and the efforts of Hamdallah and his government to the advancement of state institutions.
He said that such aid is a proof of the US’s commitment to support the Palestinian economy and people.
USD148 Million to PA For Selling Palestine to Colonists
US Consul General Michael Ratney and Palestinian “prime” Minister Rami Hamdallah signed a $148 million agreement with the US government to encourage the continued prostitution of Palestinian politics and to let them “sell” the rest of Palestine to the zionist colonial occupation easily. The European Union also pumps millions ($19 -20 Million) into the treasury of the Palestinian Authority each month as financial “support” with EU taxpayer money to pay the salaries of the employees of the PA “security” coordination with Israel, the retirement pensions and the social security allowances for people who live in poverty in Palestine
Recently, israelis met for “negotiations” with Palestinian political prostitutes in the USA, israel and other places, so that they could reach a deal in which the PA renounces more Palestinian rights and sells the rest of Palestine to the jews.
A series of moves by israel over recent days to step up construction in its colonies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem added to a potent mix of blame, bluster and suspicion surrounding the talks. Israel announced on Tuesday that more than 900 new homes would be built in Gilo, a settlement across the pre-1967 Green Line in Jerusalem. On Sunday it approved further 1,200 new housing units in settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. All settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal under international law.
The PA has taken the decision to participate in the negotiations with Israel without first consulting with the Palestinian people. The PA has actually banned all Palestinian political factions from peaceful demonstrating against their illegal and illegitimate decision to “negotiate”; a number of politicians were arrested. The Palestinian Authority headed by Mahmoud Abbas, who presidential term expired in 2009 but still receives full support from USA, israel and western countries for is treachery, established the nucleus of a dictatorial regime in Palestine that does not respect human rights and brutally prohibits and represses freedom of expressions by the Palestinian opposition.
Abbas personally runs all sensitive positions in Palestine, he is the President of the Palestinian Authority, the president of the PLO (a political party), the executive chairman of and Central Committees of Fatah (another political party), president of the Palestinian Legislative Council (parliament), the top official of the judiciary system, and on top of that he controls all the financial channels which pump Euros and dollars into Palestine.
Ratney stressed the US’s commitment to support Palestinians and their national authority, and the efforts of Hamdallah and his government to the advancement of state institutions.
He said that such aid is a proof of the US’s commitment to support the Palestinian economy and people.
USD148 Million to PA For Selling Palestine to Colonists
US Consul General Michael Ratney and Palestinian “prime” Minister Rami Hamdallah signed a $148 million agreement with the US government to encourage the continued prostitution of Palestinian politics and to let them “sell” the rest of Palestine to the zionist colonial occupation easily. The European Union also pumps millions ($19 -20 Million) into the treasury of the Palestinian Authority each month as financial “support” with EU taxpayer money to pay the salaries of the employees of the PA “security” coordination with Israel, the retirement pensions and the social security allowances for people who live in poverty in Palestine
Recently, israelis met for “negotiations” with Palestinian political prostitutes in the USA, israel and other places, so that they could reach a deal in which the PA renounces more Palestinian rights and sells the rest of Palestine to the jews.
A series of moves by israel over recent days to step up construction in its colonies in the West Bank and East Jerusalem added to a potent mix of blame, bluster and suspicion surrounding the talks. Israel announced on Tuesday that more than 900 new homes would be built in Gilo, a settlement across the pre-1967 Green Line in Jerusalem. On Sunday it approved further 1,200 new housing units in settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. All settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal under international law.
The PA has taken the decision to participate in the negotiations with Israel without first consulting with the Palestinian people. The PA has actually banned all Palestinian political factions from peaceful demonstrating against their illegal and illegitimate decision to “negotiate”; a number of politicians were arrested. The Palestinian Authority headed by Mahmoud Abbas, who presidential term expired in 2009 but still receives full support from USA, israel and western countries for is treachery, established the nucleus of a dictatorial regime in Palestine that does not respect human rights and brutally prohibits and represses freedom of expressions by the Palestinian opposition.
Abbas personally runs all sensitive positions in Palestine, he is the President of the Palestinian Authority, the president of the PLO (a political party), the executive chairman of and Central Committees of Fatah (another political party), president of the Palestinian Legislative Council (parliament), the top official of the judiciary system, and on top of that he controls all the financial channels which pump Euros and dollars into Palestine.
17 aug 2013
Business Cycle Indicator Decreases in August, says Monetary Authority
The Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) Saturday said that the during August 2013, the Business Cycle indicator (PMABCI) has witnessed a decrease from -1.21 in July to -3.88. The Research and Monetary Policy Department of the PMA said that the source of this decline is originated from the Gaza Strip, as its indicator decreased notably, while increased from 2.21 to 4.65 in the West Bank.
The PMABCI is a monthly index which aims to capture the state and evolution of the Palestinian business environment, reflecting fluctuations in production and economic activity overtime based on developments in the industrial sector. This increase for the second consecutive month indicates economic recovery in the West Bank after the contraction in June 2013, said the press release.
The figure clarified the apparent fluctuations in the West Bank economic performance in the previous months as a result of various political and economic factors, especially the unclear prospect regarding the peace process, the resumption of negotiations, the continuous political schism between the West Bank and Gaza, and constraints on access and movements.
The August indicator of Gaza witnessed a noteworthy decrease compared to July, reaching a negative value for the first time since December 2012, results showed. Gaza’s indicator declined to -8.32 compared to 1.76 in July, contradicting the slow improvement trend that Gaza’s indicator witnessed during the previous months. The recent political unrest in Egypt casted its direct effect on the economy of Gaza, affecting the free mobility of individuals and goods both ways, resulting in a further slowdown.
The department stated that most of the industrial sub-sectors decreased during August, especially in the largest industries, such as: food, textile, and furniture. The biggest decrease came from the textile sub-sector as its indicator decreased from 1.33 to -1.48, followed by the decline in the furniture sub-sector indicator form 1.75 to -0.66, and the decline in food industry indicator from 1.97 to 0.22.
The Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) Saturday said that the during August 2013, the Business Cycle indicator (PMABCI) has witnessed a decrease from -1.21 in July to -3.88. The Research and Monetary Policy Department of the PMA said that the source of this decline is originated from the Gaza Strip, as its indicator decreased notably, while increased from 2.21 to 4.65 in the West Bank.
The PMABCI is a monthly index which aims to capture the state and evolution of the Palestinian business environment, reflecting fluctuations in production and economic activity overtime based on developments in the industrial sector. This increase for the second consecutive month indicates economic recovery in the West Bank after the contraction in June 2013, said the press release.
The figure clarified the apparent fluctuations in the West Bank economic performance in the previous months as a result of various political and economic factors, especially the unclear prospect regarding the peace process, the resumption of negotiations, the continuous political schism between the West Bank and Gaza, and constraints on access and movements.
The August indicator of Gaza witnessed a noteworthy decrease compared to July, reaching a negative value for the first time since December 2012, results showed. Gaza’s indicator declined to -8.32 compared to 1.76 in July, contradicting the slow improvement trend that Gaza’s indicator witnessed during the previous months. The recent political unrest in Egypt casted its direct effect on the economy of Gaza, affecting the free mobility of individuals and goods both ways, resulting in a further slowdown.
The department stated that most of the industrial sub-sectors decreased during August, especially in the largest industries, such as: food, textile, and furniture. The biggest decrease came from the textile sub-sector as its indicator decreased from 1.33 to -1.48, followed by the decline in the furniture sub-sector indicator form 1.75 to -0.66, and the decline in food industry indicator from 1.97 to 0.22.
15 aug 2013
The Palestinian government in Gaza stressed that the economic indicators threaten a disaster in the Strip during the third quarter of this year, due to the tightening of the siege and the closure of the tunnels. Hatem Owaida, Undersecretary of the Ministry of National Economy in Gaza, indicated that tightening the security measures on the Egyptian tunnels connecting the Gaza Strip and Egypt would lead to "a real catastrophe", adding that "closing the tunnels will directly affect the lives of citizens."
Owaida pointed out that the residents of Gaza resorted to the tunnels to bring their needs in light of the Israeli tightened procedures on the official crossings.
He said the tunnels help in importing part of the construction materials for the reconstruction of Gaza, noting that the Gaza Strip needs six thousand tons of gravel, four thousand tons of cement and three thousand and five hundred tons of iron per day. The tunnels could not provide such large quantities, but only a small percentage of them.
Owaida pointed out that the residents of Gaza resorted to the tunnels to bring their needs in light of the Israeli tightened procedures on the official crossings.
He said the tunnels help in importing part of the construction materials for the reconstruction of Gaza, noting that the Gaza Strip needs six thousand tons of gravel, four thousand tons of cement and three thousand and five hundred tons of iron per day. The tunnels could not provide such large quantities, but only a small percentage of them.
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) announced in a press release issued Thursday, the main results of the labour force in Palestine in the second quarter 2013 (April- June 2013 Round) as follows:
The labour force participation rate of persons aged 15 years and above was 43.0%
The number of persons participating in the labour force in Palestine was about 1.133 million in the 2nd quarter 2013, including about 746 thousand in the West Bank and about 387 thousand in Gaza Strip.
The labour force participation rate in the West Bank was 44.4% and 40.4% in Gaza Strip, the gap in the participation rate between males and females still very big it reached 68.7% for males compared with 16.6% for females.
20.6% the unemployment rate among labour force participants
Using ILO standards, the number of unemployed was about 234 thousand in the 2nd quarter 2013: about 126 thousand in the West Bank and about 108 thousand in Gaza Strip.
The unemployment rate in Gaza Strip was 27.9% compared with 16.8% in the West Bank, and the unemployment rate for males in Palestine was 17.6% compared with 33.6% for females.
The highest unemployment rate in the 2nd quarter 2013 was 37.2% among youth aged 20-24 years. For years of schooling, the unemployment rate among females with 13 years of schooling or more was 45.2%.
The highest unemployment rates in the West Bank governorates was in Hebron with 22.1%. In Gaza Strip, the highest unemployment rate was in Rafah with 32.0%.
According to the relaxed definition of unemployment in Palestine, the unemployment rate decreased from 27.5% in the 1st quarter 2013 to 24.5% in the 2nd quarter 2013.
Increased the number of employment in the local market between the 1st quarter 2013 and 2nd quarter 2013
The number of employed in the local market increased from 768 thousand in the 1st quarter 2013 to 801 thousand in the 2nd quarter 2013. The number of employed persons in the West Bank increased by 19 thousand, while the number of employed persons in Gaza Strip increased by 14 thousand.
The services sector was the biggest employer in the local market with 33.1% in the West Bank and 50.2% in Gaza Strip.
The public sector employed 22.5% of those in employment: 36.2% in Gaza Strip and 16.4% in the West Bank.
The average daily wage for waged employees in the West Bank was 88.6 NIS compared with 63.2 NIS in Gaza Strip.
The average weekly hours worked by waged employees in the West Bank was 43.5 per week in the 1st quarter 2013 compared with 44.2 in the 2nd quarter 2013. The average number of days worked per month increased from 22.2 to 22.7 over the same period. The average number of hours worked per week in Gaza Strip was 36.6 hours per week in the 1st quarter 2013 compared with 39.1 in the 2nd quarter 2013, while the average number of days worked per month increased from 23.3 to 23.5 days over the same period.
Number of employed in Israel and Israeli settlements about 96 thousand in the 2ndquarter 2013
The number of employed persons from the West Bank employed in Israel and Israeli settlements increased from 93 thousand in the 1st quarter 2013 to 96 thousand in the 2ndquarter 2013. Of these, 48 thousand had a permit, 34 thousand worked without a permit and 14 thousand employed persons have an Israeli identity card or foreign passport.
The number of employees in Israeli settlements increased from 16 thousand in the 1st quarter 2013 to 20 thousand in the 2nd quarter 2013.
57.6% of employed in Israel and Israeli settlements work in the construction sector.
The average daily wage for persons employed in Israel and Israeli settlements increased from 167.6 NIS in the 1st quarter 2013 to 172.1 NIS in the 2nd quarter 2013.
The average number of hours worked per week decreased from 43.5 in the 1st quarter 2013 to 43.0 in the 2nd quarter 2013. The average number of days worked per month decrease from 20.1 in the 1st quarter 2013 to 19.9 in the 2nd quarter 2013.
Employment status in the 2nd quarter 2013
68.0% of employed persons are waged employees: 65.8% in the West Bank compared with 72.9% in Gaza Strip. 17.8% of employed persons are self- employed; 18.4% in the West Bank and 16.3% in Gaza Strip. 8.0% of employed persons are unpaid family members: 8.7% in the West Bank and 6.6% in Gaza Strip. 6.2% of employed persons are employers: 7.1% in the West Bank and 4.2% in Gaza Strip.
Working benefits for waged employees in the private sector
26.0% of waged employees are hired by contract, compared with 56.2% hired without a contract.
20.6% of waged employees contribute to a pension fund; 21.2% have annual paid leave; 41.6% of wage employees women have paid maternity leave.
32.3% of employed persons in Palestine are affiliated to a workers vocational union: 16.4% in the West Bank and 67.5% in Gaza Strip.
38.7% of wage employees in the private sector receive less than minimum wage in Palestine.
In the West Bank about 25.5% of wage employees in the private sector receive less than the minimum monthly wage. the large number of those who receive less the minimum monthly wage are in the north West Bank about 28,600 person with average monthly wage 1,043 NIS, followed by south West Bank governorates about 15,500 with 1,061 NIS.
In Gaza Strip the percentage of wage employees in the private sector was 66.5% about 68,100 wage employees with average monthly wage 819 NIS.
3.5% of children aged 10-17 years are employed
3.5% of children aged 10-17 years are employed: 5.0% in the West Bank and 1.1% in Gaza Strip.
The labour force participation rate of persons aged 15 years and above was 43.0%
The number of persons participating in the labour force in Palestine was about 1.133 million in the 2nd quarter 2013, including about 746 thousand in the West Bank and about 387 thousand in Gaza Strip.
The labour force participation rate in the West Bank was 44.4% and 40.4% in Gaza Strip, the gap in the participation rate between males and females still very big it reached 68.7% for males compared with 16.6% for females.
20.6% the unemployment rate among labour force participants
Using ILO standards, the number of unemployed was about 234 thousand in the 2nd quarter 2013: about 126 thousand in the West Bank and about 108 thousand in Gaza Strip.
The unemployment rate in Gaza Strip was 27.9% compared with 16.8% in the West Bank, and the unemployment rate for males in Palestine was 17.6% compared with 33.6% for females.
The highest unemployment rate in the 2nd quarter 2013 was 37.2% among youth aged 20-24 years. For years of schooling, the unemployment rate among females with 13 years of schooling or more was 45.2%.
The highest unemployment rates in the West Bank governorates was in Hebron with 22.1%. In Gaza Strip, the highest unemployment rate was in Rafah with 32.0%.
According to the relaxed definition of unemployment in Palestine, the unemployment rate decreased from 27.5% in the 1st quarter 2013 to 24.5% in the 2nd quarter 2013.
Increased the number of employment in the local market between the 1st quarter 2013 and 2nd quarter 2013
The number of employed in the local market increased from 768 thousand in the 1st quarter 2013 to 801 thousand in the 2nd quarter 2013. The number of employed persons in the West Bank increased by 19 thousand, while the number of employed persons in Gaza Strip increased by 14 thousand.
The services sector was the biggest employer in the local market with 33.1% in the West Bank and 50.2% in Gaza Strip.
The public sector employed 22.5% of those in employment: 36.2% in Gaza Strip and 16.4% in the West Bank.
The average daily wage for waged employees in the West Bank was 88.6 NIS compared with 63.2 NIS in Gaza Strip.
The average weekly hours worked by waged employees in the West Bank was 43.5 per week in the 1st quarter 2013 compared with 44.2 in the 2nd quarter 2013. The average number of days worked per month increased from 22.2 to 22.7 over the same period. The average number of hours worked per week in Gaza Strip was 36.6 hours per week in the 1st quarter 2013 compared with 39.1 in the 2nd quarter 2013, while the average number of days worked per month increased from 23.3 to 23.5 days over the same period.
Number of employed in Israel and Israeli settlements about 96 thousand in the 2ndquarter 2013
The number of employed persons from the West Bank employed in Israel and Israeli settlements increased from 93 thousand in the 1st quarter 2013 to 96 thousand in the 2ndquarter 2013. Of these, 48 thousand had a permit, 34 thousand worked without a permit and 14 thousand employed persons have an Israeli identity card or foreign passport.
The number of employees in Israeli settlements increased from 16 thousand in the 1st quarter 2013 to 20 thousand in the 2nd quarter 2013.
57.6% of employed in Israel and Israeli settlements work in the construction sector.
The average daily wage for persons employed in Israel and Israeli settlements increased from 167.6 NIS in the 1st quarter 2013 to 172.1 NIS in the 2nd quarter 2013.
The average number of hours worked per week decreased from 43.5 in the 1st quarter 2013 to 43.0 in the 2nd quarter 2013. The average number of days worked per month decrease from 20.1 in the 1st quarter 2013 to 19.9 in the 2nd quarter 2013.
Employment status in the 2nd quarter 2013
68.0% of employed persons are waged employees: 65.8% in the West Bank compared with 72.9% in Gaza Strip. 17.8% of employed persons are self- employed; 18.4% in the West Bank and 16.3% in Gaza Strip. 8.0% of employed persons are unpaid family members: 8.7% in the West Bank and 6.6% in Gaza Strip. 6.2% of employed persons are employers: 7.1% in the West Bank and 4.2% in Gaza Strip.
Working benefits for waged employees in the private sector
26.0% of waged employees are hired by contract, compared with 56.2% hired without a contract.
20.6% of waged employees contribute to a pension fund; 21.2% have annual paid leave; 41.6% of wage employees women have paid maternity leave.
32.3% of employed persons in Palestine are affiliated to a workers vocational union: 16.4% in the West Bank and 67.5% in Gaza Strip.
38.7% of wage employees in the private sector receive less than minimum wage in Palestine.
In the West Bank about 25.5% of wage employees in the private sector receive less than the minimum monthly wage. the large number of those who receive less the minimum monthly wage are in the north West Bank about 28,600 person with average monthly wage 1,043 NIS, followed by south West Bank governorates about 15,500 with 1,061 NIS.
In Gaza Strip the percentage of wage employees in the private sector was 66.5% about 68,100 wage employees with average monthly wage 819 NIS.
3.5% of children aged 10-17 years are employed
3.5% of children aged 10-17 years are employed: 5.0% in the West Bank and 1.1% in Gaza Strip.
14 aug 2013
The overall Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Palestine during July 2013 increased by 0.25% compared with June, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics revealed in a press release Wednesday.
CPI increased by 0.65% in the West Bank, 0.61% in Gaza Strip, and 0.21% in Jerusalem.
According to PCBS, The CPI during July 2013 increased by 2.54% compared with July 2012. It increased by 4.56% in the West Bank, 2.87% in Jerusalem, while it decreased by 0.61% in Gaza Strip).
The CPI during the first seven months of 2013 increased by 1.85% compared with the same period of the previous year. It has increased by 3.26% in the West Bank, 1.87% in Jerusalem, while it decreased by 0.55% in Gaza Strip.
CPI increased by 0.65% in the West Bank, 0.61% in Gaza Strip, and 0.21% in Jerusalem.
According to PCBS, The CPI during July 2013 increased by 2.54% compared with July 2012. It increased by 4.56% in the West Bank, 2.87% in Jerusalem, while it decreased by 0.61% in Gaza Strip).
The CPI during the first seven months of 2013 increased by 1.85% compared with the same period of the previous year. It has increased by 3.26% in the West Bank, 1.87% in Jerusalem, while it decreased by 0.55% in Gaza Strip.
13 aug 2013
A Russian company is set to invest $30 million in a building complex in Bethlehem, the Palestinian Authority Minister of Economy said Tuesday.
The complex will house a music school, gym, administrative offices, gardens and other marketing and commercial spaces, Jawad al-Naji said.
It will be built alongside the Russian Center for Science and Culture, situated on Vladmir Putin street. The Russian government and the Credo company will support the project.
Al-Naji called on international companies to invest in Palestine, especially in local industry.
The complex will house a music school, gym, administrative offices, gardens and other marketing and commercial spaces, Jawad al-Naji said.
It will be built alongside the Russian Center for Science and Culture, situated on Vladmir Putin street. The Russian government and the Credo company will support the project.
Al-Naji called on international companies to invest in Palestine, especially in local industry.
12 aug 2013
Commission of employees in Jenin municipality in the north of West Bank on Monday announced a strike after the municipal council refused to meet their demands. The Commission said in a statement on Monday that the events will continue until the end of the week, and that on Wednesday and Thursday they will strike starting from 9:00 am.
It also noted that the demands are represented in improving the living condition of the Jenin Municipality employees.
It also noted that the demands are represented in improving the living condition of the Jenin Municipality employees.
11 aug 2013
West Bank cities, especially Ramallah, have witnessed considerable economic movement as tens of thousands of Palestinians from the 1948-occupied territories arrived for shopping in the Palestinian cities during the days that follow Eid Al-Fitr. One of shoppers from the occupied town of Kafr Qasim north of the occupied territories said that she came to Ramallah with her family for shopping because of the high prices in Israel.
PIC's correspondent reported that all the hotels in the city of Ramallah were full.
West Bank traders were happy to see some revival in the economy and hope that the trend continues and bolsters the unity of Palestinian people across the divide.
PIC's correspondent reported that all the hotels in the city of Ramallah were full.
West Bank traders were happy to see some revival in the economy and hope that the trend continues and bolsters the unity of Palestinian people across the divide.
7 aug 2013
Al Jazeera reported on the economic costs, according to Palestinian store-owners and local leadership, of the Israeli entry permits for Ramadan.
Palestinian campaigners, store-owners and local leadership have identified concerns that these entry permits, allowing Palestinians to visit during Ramadan, may be a measure to support shopping and spending in Israel.
According to Mohammed Hirbawi, head of the Chamber of Commerce in Hebron, "This month is known for its shopping sprees...Palestinian shop-owners feel that the permits' purpose at this time is to benefit the Israeli economy, which consequently adversely affects our own." He also noted that "the fact that these permits come at this particular time every year, when people shop on a much larger scale, raises questions over the Israeli authorities' motive."
In contrast, Israeli authorities have suggested that the reason for permits is to "assist the Palestinian economy [and] for the welfare of the Palestinian population and [to ensure] the success of the holiday."
According to Israeli authorities, around 223,500 permits have already been issued this year, allowing Palestinians to travel across the Green Line. In addition, COGAT, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, provided an estimate that as many as 1 million Palestinians would visit Israel in Ramadan and Eid el-Fitr.
The Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute postulated that these Palestinian visits to Jerusalem and Israel might lead to $100 to $140 million worth of revenue for Israel's stores and businesses. At the same time, West Bank store-owners have reported that they expect considerable losses in business.
Sam Bahour, a Palestinian-American business development consultant, described the existence of "a struggle on the ground between us trying to develop our economy with the limited resources available to us, and an entity that controls our economy, which can easily divert resources and people to other places."
According to Al Jazeera, Palestinian-led efforts have taken shape to redirect shoppers towards Palestinian businesses, both in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. One such youth organization is Palestinian Vision, which provides tours of the Old City of Jerusalem for visitors with permits. These tours are intended to showcase Palestinian sites of significance, and to help visitors to support East Jerusalem stores and restaurants belonging to Palestinians. For a number of these visitors, such tours are their first experience in Jerusalem, as they may never previously have been allowed to enter.
Another effort is a campaign put together by Palestinians from Ramallah, Jerusalem, Haifa, Nazareth, Jaffa and Acre, providing visitors with maps and names of Palestinian stores and businesses within Israel, in order to spur support for these businesses. Campaigners provide this material to visitors at the Qalandiya checkpoint.
As one member of this group, Halla Shoaibi, explained, "We are trying to minimise the benefits accrued by Israel either economically or politically...We believe this is a chance for Palestinians to at least meet their compatriots from 1948 [inside Israel] and to help them economically because their own economy is marginalised."
Palestinian campaigners, store-owners and local leadership have identified concerns that these entry permits, allowing Palestinians to visit during Ramadan, may be a measure to support shopping and spending in Israel.
According to Mohammed Hirbawi, head of the Chamber of Commerce in Hebron, "This month is known for its shopping sprees...Palestinian shop-owners feel that the permits' purpose at this time is to benefit the Israeli economy, which consequently adversely affects our own." He also noted that "the fact that these permits come at this particular time every year, when people shop on a much larger scale, raises questions over the Israeli authorities' motive."
In contrast, Israeli authorities have suggested that the reason for permits is to "assist the Palestinian economy [and] for the welfare of the Palestinian population and [to ensure] the success of the holiday."
According to Israeli authorities, around 223,500 permits have already been issued this year, allowing Palestinians to travel across the Green Line. In addition, COGAT, the Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, provided an estimate that as many as 1 million Palestinians would visit Israel in Ramadan and Eid el-Fitr.
The Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute postulated that these Palestinian visits to Jerusalem and Israel might lead to $100 to $140 million worth of revenue for Israel's stores and businesses. At the same time, West Bank store-owners have reported that they expect considerable losses in business.
Sam Bahour, a Palestinian-American business development consultant, described the existence of "a struggle on the ground between us trying to develop our economy with the limited resources available to us, and an entity that controls our economy, which can easily divert resources and people to other places."
According to Al Jazeera, Palestinian-led efforts have taken shape to redirect shoppers towards Palestinian businesses, both in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. One such youth organization is Palestinian Vision, which provides tours of the Old City of Jerusalem for visitors with permits. These tours are intended to showcase Palestinian sites of significance, and to help visitors to support East Jerusalem stores and restaurants belonging to Palestinians. For a number of these visitors, such tours are their first experience in Jerusalem, as they may never previously have been allowed to enter.
Another effort is a campaign put together by Palestinians from Ramallah, Jerusalem, Haifa, Nazareth, Jaffa and Acre, providing visitors with maps and names of Palestinian stores and businesses within Israel, in order to spur support for these businesses. Campaigners provide this material to visitors at the Qalandiya checkpoint.
As one member of this group, Halla Shoaibi, explained, "We are trying to minimise the benefits accrued by Israel either economically or politically...We believe this is a chance for Palestinians to at least meet their compatriots from 1948 [inside Israel] and to help them economically because their own economy is marginalised."