The general segment of the substantive session of the Economic and Social Council continued today with consideration of the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, and the economic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living conditions of the Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan. The occupation of Palestinian territory by Israel continues to deepen the economic and social hardship for Palestinians. Read more about Economic and social repercussions of the Israeli occupation
In its seventh annual meeting, PALTEL’s General Assembly discussed on Sunday (09.05.2004), in Ramallah and Gaza, administrative reports and financial statements for the year ending 31.12.2003. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Abdel Malek Jaber, vice-chairman of the board. It was also attended by the board members, senior management, company controller, financial auditors, a number of shareholders and interested individuals. The meeting was held via video conferencing connecting Ramallah and Gaza. Read more about PALTEL's 7th General Assembly Approves Distribution of 12% of Profits to Shareholders
At the request of the Palestinian Authority (PA), the Government of Israel (GOI) and the international community, the World Bank has released a paper - Disengagement, the Palestinian Economy and the Settlements - which looks at the potential impact of Israel’s Disengagement Plan on the Palestinian economy. Of itself, Israel’s Disengagement Plan of June 6 will have very little impact on the Palestinian economy, since it proposes only a limited easing of closure. “Disengagement alone,” says James D. Wolfensohn, President of the World Bank, “will not alter this dangerous, unsustainable situation. If disengagement is implemented with wisdom and foresight, however, it could make a real difference.” Read more about World Bank paper urges major easing of Israeli closure measures and stepped-up Palestinian reform efforts
Seven years ago, a Palestinian parliamentary panel conducted an investigation of the PA corruption. The panel exposed many official misgivings and abuses. It recommended that Civil Affairs Minister Jamil al-Tarifi, Planning and International Cooperation Minister Nabil Shaath and Transport Minister Ali Kawasmeh be brought to trial. They were never dismissed. Shaath and Tarifi are still cabinet members. Now, Tarifi is once more subject to parliamentary investigation for corruption. PA Minister of Economy Maher Masri was accused of negligence and fraude. Tarifi is accused of selling Egyptian cement, meant for rebuilding Palestinian homes, to Israeli companies. Read more about Cement and Corruption
The World Bank has approved an emergency structural adjustment grant of US$20 million to be used as part of the Bank’s response to the immediate needs of the Palestinian Authority for budgetary assistance. After more than three years of crisis, the PA is facing severe economic and fiscal challenges with a financing gap estimated at US$650 million for 2004. “The provision of budgetary support is widely regarded as vital in maintaining a functioning PA,” says Nigel Roberts. Read more about World Bank approves US$20 million grant as budget support to the Palestinian Authority
High unemployment continues to grip Palestinian communities in the Occupied Arab Territories, reaching an average of 35 per cent, the International Labour Office (ILO) says in a new report. A recent high-level mission to the area also found that “severe restrictions” on the movement of persons, goods and services were causing “severe losses in production, employment and income”. “The reality of life in the territories is one of strangulation of the economy.” ILO Director-General Juan Somavia said in the report. Read more about Unemployment, poverty grips Palestinian workers
Israel’s ongoing assault on human lives and property in Rafah is, according to Israeli spokespersons, “aimed at preventing a huge shipment of arms being smuggled.” The past four days, Israeli forces have killed 39 Palestinians. Its military assault on Palestinians in Rafah includes extensive house demolitions and other human rights abuses. The question should be asked, who supplies Israel’s military occupation of the Gaza Strip. Both the U.S. and EU are the main suppliers of arms with which Israel has forced Palestinians to live under military occupation for decades. Read more about Who really smuggled weapons to Rafah?
Inter Church Organization for Development Cooperation17 May 2004
Today ICCO, a Dutch development agency, launched the “Made in Israel?” campaign, aimed against the unlawful import of products from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Products produced in the illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are exported and marketed as “Made in Israel”. This is a violation of the trade agreement between Israel and the European Union. The agreement exempts Israeli products - but not settlement products – from import duty. In practice settlement products profit of European trade preferences. So far, the EU has failed to take measures. Read more about EU supports settlements economically, misleads consumers
Sharon’s unilateral “disengagement” plan from Gaza does not seem to bode well for the future of the economy of the Gaza Strip. A careful reflection on the economic ramifications of what the plan has to offer will lead to this unfortunate outcome. The formidable challenge facing all concerned parties is how to make the Israeli pullout from Gaza, if and when it happens, a success to be emulated in other parts of the Palestinian occupied territories, and not a blunder to be regretted later on. Dr. Mohammed El-Samhouri, a senior economic advisor to the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs, examines the plan. Read more about Gaza Disengagement Plan: An Economist's Viewpoint
A group of 14 trade unionists from seven European countries visited the region last week in order to investigate the labor situation of the Palestinians, both those in Israel and those from the Occupied Territories. At a public meeting organized by WAC in Haifa, a spokesperson of the European trade unionists declared that the group was shocked by the grave and humiliating situation confronting Palestinian and migrant workers. They will bring their findings before the ICFTU, the WCL and the ILO. Read more about European trade unionists shocked by labor situation of Palestinians in Israel
