UN calls for action to avert Palestinian economic collapse, warns against annexation

A newly published paper from the United Nations warns that despite recent efforts to assist the Palestinian Authority, Ramallah is headed for economic collapse as the effects of the pandemic set in and “a hardened and more extremist politics on both sides will inevitably result.”

The paper issued by Middle East Envoy Nickolay Mladenov ahead of an upcoming meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) on June 2 notes that any move by Israel to annex parts of the West Bank or any PA withdrawal from bilateral agreements “would dramatically shift local dynamics and most likely trigger conflict and instability in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.”

“All sides must do their part in the coming weeks and months in order to preserve the prospect of a negotiated two-state resolution to the conflict, in line with relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements,” Mladenov writes.

The paper notes the “relatively successful” virus prevention efforts in the Palestinian territories. However, it stress that considerable concerns remains regarding the ability of the Palestinian health sector to cope with a surge, especially in Gaza.

“The socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 on the Palestinian people is already immense. The Palestinian Authority needs increased financial and development assistance to address its public health needs, provide essential services, and respond to the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic. The Humanitarian Country Team has also identified significant funding needs for the emergency response, and the United Nations Country Team will soon announce its development system response plan. The paper urges the donor community to mobilize in response to this unprecedented emergency,” a summary reads.