Israel: Economic surge in W. Bank

[shira]

Unprecedented military coordination and a sincere effort by the Palestinian Authority to crack down on Hamas has led to a unique economic surge in the West Bank in the past year, according to an internal Defense Ministry report obtained on Monday by The Jerusalem Post.

Prepared by the IDF's Civil Administration, the report cites a three percent drop to 16% in Palestinian unemployment since the beginning of the year. In addition, the report cites a 24% increase in Palestinian average daily wages, up from NIS 70 in 2007 to NIS 86.9.

The stats were collected in recent months from a variety of sources, including the PA and the United Nations International Labor Organization. Since the beginning of the year, the IDF has also removed 113 roadblocks and dirt mounds throughout the West Bank, enabling easier travel between Palestinian cities.

Officers in the Civil Administration said the economic surge was the result of a number of parallel factors but was mainly due to improved coordination between Israel and the PA, as well as a decision by PA President Mahmoud Abbas to make a concerted effort to stop Hamas' build-up in the West Bank.

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http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1227702390538&pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull

[shira]

1. terrible news, huh?

goes to show that if PA leadership wants to focus on state-building and working with Israel - rather than war - good things can happen for the Palestinian people.

some would say PA leadership are cowards or traitors for working in conjunction with the evil empire rather than "resisting" with more war.

of course, this must be yet another devious zionist trick.....what's the catch....who's calling bullshit since this is SO COMPLETELY out of the ordinary, what with Israel NEVER trying to make life better for Palestinians? aren't they constantly plotting evil for Palestinians? what gives?

what is israel up to, helping Palestinians out? why can't Israel just remain mean and nasty according to the narrative...and stop complicating things? like for real! gosh!!!

oh yeah....think an article like this one rates high enough to make it onto any of the "peace" websites out there that are so dedicated to making life better for Palestinians? hope they don't miss this one!

think anyone at the UN who is usually hostile towards Israel will bring this one up? or those who sympathize at the UN with Palestinians....will they break out champagne? maybe we'll see something nice written by Amnesty International?

one can hope....

[Vegasaurus]

2. Nope.

Because the goal is never to show any gesture of Israel's in a good light.

Surely not if you are Amnesty or a "peace" group or the UN.

But it does show that if the Palestinians actually wanted to have a decent life, they could.

The entire world is there to help.

Their leadership just has to put the development of their society, helping their citizens, above the goal of killing Israelis.

[LeftishBrit]

4. This is good news. But things aren't simple.

Some countries did better economically and otherwise under British or other imperial rule than as independent states. This is a big indictment of certain post-independence governments; but it still doesn't mean that we should have kept, or should now return to, imperialism.

It is vital IMO that an independent state of Palestine should be established, rather than trying to modify and improve the occupation.

That doesn't excuse any of the actions of Hamas, who are a disgusting government and fundamentally treasonous toward their own people, and who are contributing to the delay in the establishment of an independent Palestine. And increasing the chances of Netanyahu getting elected.

And Amnesty International and other human rights organizations do not write 'nice' things about any country; that's not what they're for. They expose abuses everywhere. As people here know, I disagree with the view of most pro-Israel people on this board that they only or mostly criticize Israel - they frequently criticize many countries and groups including Hamas and the Arab countries. The UN are another matter entirely.

[shira]

5. it's more simple than you imply

no one is arguing for only improving the occupation.....this helps so that Palestine WILL become a viable reality in the future. Had there been a willing Palestinian partner for peace - a leadership dedicated to improving the lives of its own people and peacefully coexisting with Israel - there would have been peace long ago. How else will the OT take on a half-million or more refugees once they proclaim independence? How else will they create jobs for themselves, house those in refugee camps, etc...without efforts like this?

[shira]

3. Palestinian PM pretends Israel has done nothing to help W.Bank situation.......wants Israel punished

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g9mxKFgbrUMty6O4x1H4OqmF94_g

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AFP) — Palestinian prime minister Salam Fayyad on Tuesday said he was deeply concerned about plans to upgrade EU-Israeli relations, citing lack of progress in the Middle East peace process.

Fayyad spoke to journalists after he met with diplomats of EU countries on Monday.

"We asked for a meeting with representatives of those countries to express our deep concerns ahead of of the debate on the strengthening of relations with Israel," he said.

"I told them that since Israel violated all its commitments, including on human rights issues, the EU countries should wait before upgrading the level of Israeli representation at the EU," he said.

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