OneVoice warns Knesset members of Palestinian economic collapse

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• Publié par: the-one-voice-movement
• Nombre de lectures: 65
• Langue: English

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OneVoice warns Knesset members of

Palestinian economic collapse

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, July 25, 2012

NEW YORK

,

July 25, 2012

/PRNewswire/ -- Members of the Two-State Solution

Caucus in the Knesset heard a presentation by OneVoice Israel on Wednesday,

warning that the Palestinian Authority was on the verge of economic collapse.

Over 100 concerned citizens joined a dozen parliamentarians, including Caucus

chairmen MK Yoel Hasson and MK Amir Peretz, in a discussion with OneVoice

Israel about the implications of an ailing Palestinian economy and stalled peace

talks on Israeli politics and security. The report, prepared by Gershon Baskin, an

expert on Israeli-Palestinian relations, revealed how the economic crisis

dangerously interconnects with negatively shifting Palestinian public opinion on

the possibilities of ending the occupation and achieving the two-state solution.

"This dangerous combination increases chances of a change in Palestinian

leadership when, for many, there's never been a more ideal leadership for

peacemaking," said Baskin. "Increasing numbers of Israelis and Palestinians are

losing confidence that there remains a possible two-state solution, which

creates urgency for positive political movement on both sides," he added.

The Palestinian economy witnessed a sharp drop in growth so far in 2012,

falling from 9% during the first quarter of last year to 5.4% this year, according

to the report, which relied on data from the Palestinian Finance Ministry, high-

level Palestinian security officials, and the World Bank. The Palestinian Authority

accumulated a national debt of

$1.5 billion

, in addition to its debt of

$1.2 billion

to local private banks.

With restrictions on Palestinian exports and half of the Authority's budget

contingent on the transfer of tax revenues that

Israel

collects

—

though often

punitively withholds

—

for them, the Palestinian government has struggled to

pay 153,000 public sector employees, including 30,000 security personnel.

"Prospects for ending the occupation are narrowing while the growth of the

Palestinian economy lags behind, creating conditions for another round of

bloodshed," said Tal Harris, executive director of OneVoice Israel. "The

alternative to peace is not the status quo; the alternative to peace is war. The

solution lies in reducing Palestinian dependence on

Israel

and allowing them to

establish an independent state at peace with all its neighbors."

The report also noted the Palestinian Authority's inability to seek assistance

from the International Monetary Fund because it lacks internationally

recognized country status. The Knesset's Two-State Solution Caucus members

in attendance, representing Kadima, Labor, Meretz, and Hadash, found the

facts eye-opening and stressed the urgency of returning to negotiations.

"The Palestinian Authority's severe financial crisis and the implications

presented in the discussion should disturb everyone's sleep," said MK Yoel

Hasson (Kadima). "The prime minister must cease his policy of inaction on the

political status quo, which does not serve

Israel

's interests."

The 35 members of the Two-State Solution Caucus, conceived and co-created

by OneVoice Israel and MK Hasson, ensure the two-state solution remains a top

priority on the Israeli government's agenda and maintain pressure to end the

conflict.

OneVoice is an international grassroots movement that aims to amplify the

voice of Israeli and Palestinian moderates, empowering them to demand a two-

state solution. The movement educates and trains Israeli and Palestinian youth

in leadership skills, non-violent activism, and democratic principles. To support

and contribute to OneVoice, join us at

www.onevoicemovement.org

.