30 September 2002
The London-based Campaign Against Arms Trade published its report on Israel’s arms trade and use. CAAT is particularly concerned when military equipment is supplied to countries in regions of conflict or governments which abuse human rights. Read more about Arming the occupation: Israel and the Arms Trade
29 July 2003
Defense industry exporters in the UK have reported significant losses due to a government policy to restrict the sale of military equipment to Israel. British defense exports to the Jewish state dropped from 22 million British pounds ($35.7 million) to GBP10 million over the past year, reported Guardian. Britain imposed a de facto arms embargo on Israel last year, applying to military equipment that could be used in Israel’s continuing operations in the Palestinian territories. Each application must be examined on a case-by-case basis. Read more about Restrictions on defense sales to Israel deal hard blow to UK exporters
28 July 2003
United Nations agencies have teamed up to organize a preparatory meeting for an international forum next year that would aim to keep the social and economic issues and needs in the occupied Palestinian territories on the agenda of the international community, in spite of the lack of stability in the region. The two-day consultative meeting, which begins tomorrow in Beirut, will serve to provide input to the Arab-International Forum on “Palestine Rehabilitation and Development” next year. Read more about UN-backed meeting to prepare for Arab forum on Palestine rehabilitation
17 July 2003
Following the recent positive developments in the Palestinian Territories and the withdrawal of IDF forces from parts of the Gaza Strip and Bethlehem, the European Commission is urgently delivering a €100 million package of financial assistance to support the implementation of the Road Map for Peace. Read more about European Commission takes action with EUR 100 million to improve conditions and accelerate relaunch of the Palestinian economy
14 July 2003
The economic and social crisis in the occupied Arab territories has deepened markedly over the past year, with rising unemployment and plummeting incomes leading to an “untenable” situation, according to a new report of the Director-General of the International Labour Office (ILO). Read more about New ILO report sees further economic and social deterioration in the occupied territories
16 July 2003
A United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People this morning held a panel discussion on the theme “Looking Ahead: Coping Strategies for the Palestinian Economy”. Experts addressing the Seminar spoke about the Palestinian perspective of the economic recovery, prospects for a longer-term economic development, the economy of an independent Palestinian State, and of donor strategies and assistance coordination. Read more about Seminar on Assistance to Palestinian people holds panel on coping strategies for Palestinian economy
14 July 2003
A United Nations Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People this afternoon held a panel discussion on priorities for humanitarian and economic assistance for Palestinians with experts speaking of the need to support the Palestinian Authority’s budgetary needs, to restore essential services in the occupied territories, to rehabilitate the physical infrastructure and agricultural land, to reduce unemployment and poverty, to alleviate the plight of refugees through the support of UNRWA, and to boost the recovery of the private sector. Read more about UN Seminar on Assistance to Palestinian People holds panel on priorities for humanitarian and economic assistance
21 June 2003
A specially commissioned poll to coincide with the World Economic Forum’s Global Summit of Peace and Reconciliation in Jordan shows huge agreement between the majority of Palestinians and Israelis concerning the peace process. Read more about New survey shows that ordinary Israelis and Palestinians are keen to move forward with the Road Map and are in favour of starting economic cooperation
22 June 2003
Business confidence continues to be deeply affected by the global geopolitical situation, according to a survey released on the eve of the World Economic Forum’s Extraordinary Annual Meeting at the Dead Sea. Read more about World Economic Forum survey finds 30 per cent of business leaders pessimistic about the future
6 May 2003
An Alitalia pilot stunned passengers flying to Tel Aviv by announcing “Welcome to Palestine, Happy Independence Day to Palestine.” Read more about Alitalia pilot: "Welcome to Palestine"