Recent reports reveal that the dire state of the Palestinian economy may result in widespread famine in the Territories, according to Al-Dustur daily. Mahir Al-Masri, Palestinian Minister of Economy and Trade, attributed the current crisis to the ongoing border closures imposed on Palestinians by Israel.
Deteriorating economic conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories are eroding support for the peace process there, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan warned in a report on Monday, July 23, urging greater international assistance to bolster United Nations relief efforts in the area, reported AFP.
The closures, imposed regularly as a result of alleged security threats, have detrimental implications for Palestinian infrastructure, industrial and production establishments, as well to income revenue.
Al-Masri states that food supplies in the territories currently stand at dangerously low levels. He added that according to the Palestinian finance ministry, total losses have reached $5.2 billion since October 2000. He maintained that unemployment had risen to nearly 50 percent.
Some aid, however, continues to reach the distressed community. The Islamic
Bank for Development, for instance, has reportedly funneled funds to the Territories. In addition, aid has been sent by from some Arab countries for health and education projects.
Talks are underway to hold a possible Arab summit in the future regarding the current situation of the Palestinian people and means to alleviate the crisis. ― (MENA Report)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
