RAMALLAH, April 8 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that Israel is withholding more than 7 billion shekels (about 1.9 billion U.S. dollars) in tax revenues belonging to the Palestinian Authority (PA).

In a press statement, the ministry described the Israeli move as part of a wider campaign against the Palestinian people, accusing Israel of engaging in policies of "displacement and annexation."

"The continued deductions are part of racist and colonial political schemes aimed at undermining the Palestinian National Authority, the institutional embodiment of the State of Palestine on Palestinian soil, in clear violation of international legitimacy resolutions," the statement said.

The ministry called for urgent intervention by Arab and Islamic countries to provide financial and political support to the Palestinian government, including establishing a financial safety net.

It also urged the international community to act swiftly to protect Palestinian rights and institutions.

Under existing arrangements, Israel collects customs duties and value-added taxes on goods imported into Palestinian territories and transfers the funds to the PA monthly.

Security tensions in the West Bank have intensified since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, further deepening the PA's financial crisis and limiting its ability to pay salaries and deliver essential public services. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)