The economic marginalization of Palestinians has emerged as a critical issue, often overshadowed by the physical and legal restrictions imposed by Israel. A recent report from Mondoweiss reveals how economic discrimination is a deliberate tactic employed by Israel to control the Palestinian presence in occupied territories. Author Chris Habibie highlights that while the international community has condemned Israel's actions, the economic dimension of this oppression remains largely ignored. The report points to a pattern of 'financial apartheid' where Palestinians are systematically stripped of their economic resources, limiting their ability to participate in global trade and receive international aid.
The situation in Gaza serves as a stark illustration of this economic warfare, with a blockade lasting 17 years devastating the region's economy and creating artificial dependence on international aid. The report emphasizes that this dependence is exacerbated by Israel's refusal to allow self-sufficiency for Palestinians, further entrenching economic marginalization as a foundational element of the broader oppressive system.
Moreover, the report outlines the significant obstacles faced by those attempting to provide financial support to Palestinians, including legal risks in the U.S. that label supporters as terrorists. Financial institutions often refuse to engage with Palestinian entities, leading to widespread financial exclusion. Digital platforms like PayPal and Venmo have been criticized for denying services to Palestinians while providing them to illegal settlers, highlighting a systemic bias against Palestinian financial access.
In the West Bank, Israel's manipulation of tax revenues owed to the Palestinian Authority has created further economic instability. By withholding funds as a means to extract political concessions, Israel undermines the Palestinian economy, leaving public sector employees without salaries and exacerbating the crisis. The Mondoweiss report calls for dismantling this oppressive economic system and urges international bodies to acknowledge and address the comprehensive economic oppression faced by Palestinians.
