RSS Feeds
The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil,    but because of the people who don't do anything about it    
Occupation magazine - Settlements

Home page  back Print  Send To friend

PA to ban work in settlements
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Jerusalem Post, 07/03/2010 21:36

Economics minister: Palestinian society must be consistent in its opposition.

Ramallah – The Palestinian Authority will move to prevent Palestinian workers from taking jobs in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the Palestinian economics minister said Sunday.

Palestinians vehemently oppose the settlements Israel has built on land they want for a future state, but an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Palestinians work in the settlements. Palestinian construction workers have been key to building homes for settlers, while others work in factories in settlements. Many say the West Bank`s poor economy leaves them no choice.

The law, set to be signed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas by the end of the month, would constitute the most determined Palestinian campaign yet against the settlement economy.

Economics Minister Hassan Abu Libdeh, who drafted the law, said it is important for the Palestinians to be consistent in their opposition. `My population, my society, is contributing to the lifeline of the settlements, so I am targeting this contribution,` he said.

The Palestinian Authority will try to find alternatives for those currently working in settlements, but they will not be forced to leave, Abu Libdeh said. Palestinians working in settlements in the future would be breaking the law, he said, but he would not discuss penalties.

The legislation also bans the sale of West Bank settlement products in Palestinian shops, he said. He estimated the annual sale of settlement goods to Palestinian businesses at between $200 million to $500 million.

In recent months, Palestinian security forces have begun intercepting shipments of settlement goods to West Bank markets, he said, but would not say how much merchandise has been confiscated.


bz
Links to the latest articles in this section

Two tiny Palestinian villages, supported by activists, hold on against brutal murderous settlers
President Biden, open the US Consulate in East Jerusalem!
A `Routine` Vote Could Be Trouble for Settlers – and Government