Palestinian Authority in Dire Straits as Israel’s Hold on West Bank Deepens
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is facing unprecedented challenges as Israel tightens its grip on the West Bank. Here’s an overview of the troubles impacting Palestinian communities, particularly in light of increasing Israeli settler violence and the PA’s dwindling ability to provide essential services.
Economic Hardships and Limited Services
– Amid a backdrop of surging settler violence, the village of al-Mughayyir, located northeast of Ramallah, is particularly vulnerable, experiencing frequent incursions by the Israeli army and land seizures for new settlements.
– Marzoq Abu Naim, a member of the village council, expresses deep concern: Settlers are impacting us without openly confronting us. This is effectively annexation; we can’t access our lands.
– Despite the PA’s responsibility to provide basic services, the region faces an economic crisis, limiting support for Palestinians. When I go to them, they can’t give me the support I need, Abu Naim laments, highlighting the PA’s financial struggles.
The Context of Recent Violence and Economic Loss
– Following the deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, approximately 100,000 Palestinians lost their work permits in Israel.
– This situation worsened as Israel began withholding tax transfers—totaling over $4 billion—that were previously collected on behalf of the PA, due to disputes over educational materials and stipends for families of political prisoners.
– As a result, the PA has been forced to pay public sector workers—including doctors and teachers—only 60% of their salaries, significantly affecting education. In al-Mughayyir, schools operate just three days a week, with many children struggling academically due to classroom disruptions from nearby violence.
Increasing Israeli Control and International Response
– Travel restrictions imposed by Israeli military checkpoints further isolate Palestinian communities from one another, as roads are expanded to benefit settlements, which violate international law.
– Since the PA’s establishment more than 30 years ago following the Oslo Accords, hopes for a Palestinian state have diminished, particularly as ongoing Israeli expansion undermines any possibility of achieving statehood.
– As tensions rise, prominent figures like Sabri Saidam, a former PA minister, warn that the very essence of Palestinian identity and existence is at risk. It is a turning point in our lives, Saidam asserts, emphasizing the grim outlook for both Palestinian statehood and the future of the PA.
Shift in Policy and Settler Expansion
– Recent Israeli policies are intensifying the occupation, characterized as “gradual, de facto annexation” by a senior UN official. A controversial land registration process could facilitate Israel’s claims over vast areas of the territory, permitting future development.
– Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, has been vocal about his goal to dismantle the PA entirely, highlighting his commitment to policies that support settlers and restrict Palestinian rights.
– International condemnation of these unilateral actions has surged, with over 80 UN member states and organizations like the EU and the Arab League calling for a reversal of Israeli measures.
The Future of the Palestinian Authority
– The PA’s decline was significantly exacerbated by the recent war in Gaza, which further diminished its governance capabilities. Initially, in 2007, the PA lost control of Gaza following a Hamas victory in elections, and the recent conflict has left it sidelined in key governance discussions.
– Although the United States continues to support a two-state solution, Israeli leaders regard the PA as corrupt and ineffective, stating it poses no immediate threat to Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank.
Growing Sentiments and Potential for Change
– In al-Mughayyir, settlers have encroached on Bedouin lands, driving shepherds further from their pastures. Tensions escalate daily, as evidenced by recent clashes leading to tragic injuries and loss of life.
– With international focus waning, local frustrations are mounting, igniting fears of unrest. Palestinians may increasingly seek alternatives to the PA, looking for leadership that promises a more assertive response to Israeli policies.
In conclusion, the Palestinian Authority stands at a critical juncture, plagued by economic strife and diminishing control over its territories. As Israel’s hold on the West Bank deepens, it poses profound implications for Palestinian identity, governance, and the prospect of statehood, calling for urgent international attention and action.