We observed that general economic development within the Occupied Territories is being systematically sabotaged by Israeli policy. No significant economic assistance programs can work without the presence of a State structure with sovereignty to formulate and enforce export, import, and tax policies. 

Although historically a pastoral, agrarian society, Palestinians have always had two major sources of outside income: tourism and stone-cutting.

Both from observations and interviews it is clear that these industries are mere shadows of what they once were. All movements of people, money, and goods in and out of the Occupied Territories are controlled by Israel.

Checkpoints and walls, holy sites that are off limits, closed roads to factories, deteriorated infrastructure and much more are effectively strangling freedom of movement and with it, economic livelihoods.

Back