Middle East Focus: PA and a Palestinian Sophie’s Choice………….

Arabia Deserta

PA and a Palestinian Sophie’s Choice………….

“The Palestinian Authority is moving to prevent Palestinian workers from taking jobs in settlements, as officials Ramallah repeatedly declare their refusal to resume direct negotiations until all Israeli construction in the West Bank is halted. Palestinians vehemently oppose the settlements Israel has built on land they want for a future state. But with unemployment high in the West Bank, thousands of Palestinians work in settlements. Palestinians have been key to building homes for settlers and also work in factories. Economics Minister Hassan Abu Libda says he is drafting a law that will ban Palestinians from taking such jobs, which he expects to take effect this month……..…”

Interesting to see if this law is ever voted on or enacted. Which reminds me: who gets to vote, since a majority of elected Palestinian legislators belong to Hamas?
Economically, many Palestinians will not like it: if they did they would not work in the settlements. It is a terrible nearly Sophie’s Choice between taking a needed job with an “enemy” who is encroaching on land and facing poverty. Unless the rich moderate new Middle East oligarchs are willing to spend some of their “pocket change” for the development of the Arab parts of the West Bank and Gaza.
Cheers
mhg

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