UN: Without ‘occupation’ Palestinian economy could double [View all]

Source: Times of Israel

New report says limited movement, destruction of assets, settlement expansion and seizing of resources are human rights violations

GENEVA (AFP) — The Palestinian economy could easily double, while sky-high unemployment and poverty would plummet if the Israeli occupation were lifted, the United Nations development agency said Tuesday.

In a new report, UNCTAD pointed to a long list of ways the Israeli occupation stifled the economies of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including the confiscation of Palestinian land, water and other natural resources.

The widespread restrictions on the movement of people and goods, destruction of homes, trees and other assets, and the expansion of Israeli settlements were also damaging, it said.

“Without occupation, the economy of the Occupied Palestinian Territory could produce twice the GDP (gross domestic product) it currently generates,” the report said.

Read more: http://www.timesofisrael.com/un-without-occupation-palestinian-economy-could-double/