2 . the Palestinian Trade Performance: a Diagnosis

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

2 . the Palestinian Trade Performance: a Diagnosis Unlocking the Trade Potential Public Disclosure Authorized of the Palestinian Economy Immediate Measures and a Long-Term Vision to Public Disclosure Authorized Improve Palestinian Trade and Economic Outcomes Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized 16783_Palestine Trade Note_Final CVR.indd 3 9/11/17 7:19 AM Report No: ACS22471 16783_Palestine Trade Note_Final CVR.indd 4 9/11/17 7:19 AM UNLOCKING THE TRADE POTENTIAL OF THE PALESTINIAN ECONOMY Immediate Measures and a Long-Term Vision to Improve Palestinian Trade and Economic Outcomes The Palestinian economy is severely hampered by trade-related restrictions, high logistics costs, cumbersome procedures and institutional inefficiencies. Operating within an uneven Customs Union arrangement with Israel, the Palestinian economy has accumulated an enormous trade deficit and overdependence on Israel’s economy and has neither been able to develop dynamic export-oriented sectors nor to tap into larger and more com- petitive third markets. Over the years, this situation has contributed to slow growth, high unemployment, and stubborn persistence of poverty in the Palestinian economy. A bold reform agenda is urgently required to improve the Palestinian economy’s trade outcomes. Immediate steps should be taken to reduce the burden of existing trade-related restrictions and transaction costs. The Palestinian economy should also begin the transition toward an autonomous trade regime, and be able to exercise control over its own customs territory, in line with its long-term economic interest. It should retain an open trade regime and develop its links with overseas markets. The economic relationship with Israel should be recast in a manner that is comprehensive and exploits the large synergies that exist between the two economies. Such a course will provide the Palestinian Authority with some of the tools and incentives to undertake far-reaching structural reforms. The proposed reform agenda will neither be a simple endeavor nor will it alone determine the success or failure of the Palestinian economy. This note proposes ideas that could, in the fullness of time, and with the assistance of international donors help overcome existing dysfunctions and improve trade-related economic outcomes in the Palestinian economy. 16783_Palestine Trade Note.indd 1 12/15/17 10:56 AM Standard Disclaimer This volume is a product of the staff of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank Group. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this paper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Copyright Statement The material in this publication is copyrighted. Copying and/or transmitting portions or all of this work without permission may be a violation of applicable law. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/The World Bank encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission to reproduce portions of the work promptly. For permission to photocopy or reprint any part of this work, please send a request with complete information to the Copyright Clearance Center Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Dan- vers, MA 01923, USA; telephone: 978-750-8400; fax: 978-750-4470; www.copyright.com. All other queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to the Office of the Publisher, The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522-2422; e-mail: [email protected]. 16783_Palestine Trade Note.indd 2 12/15/17 10:56 AM CONTENts ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS . v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . vii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . ix 1 INTRODUCTION: MOTIVATION AND STRUCTURE . 1 2 THE PALESTINIAN TRADE PERFORMANCE: A DIAGNOSIS . 6 2.1 The Palestinian Economy: The Import Economy ....................................... 6 2.2 Trade Concentration on Israel ....................................................... 15 3 IMPROVING TRADE OUTCOMES: IMMEDIATE MEASURES . 23 3.1 Relieving Restrictions under the Customs Union....................................... 25 3.1.1 Updating the Special Goods Lists (A1, A2, B) ........................................ 25 3.1.2 Reducing the Dual-Use Goods Lists and Processes.................................. 28 3.2 Tr ade Facilitation: Border Crossings, Containerization, Ports........................... 35 3.2.1 Allenby/King Hussein Bridge and Kerem Shalom/Kerm Abu Salem Crossing........... 35 3.2.2 Containerization................................................................. 43 3.2.3 Trade through Israeli Ports ....................................................... 46 3.3 Strengthening Palestinian Institutions ............................................... 50 3.3.1 Customs, Fiscal and Border Management: Capacity Building and Coordination ........ 50 3.3.2 Quality Infrastructure: Enabling Access of Palestinian Products to External Markets.............................................................. 53 4 REFORMING THE PALESTINIAN TRADE REGIME: A LONG-TERM VISION . 57 4.1 Is an Improved Customs Union the Best Future Regime for the Palestinian Economy?..... 57 4.2 Alternative Trade Regimes . 62 4.3 Ten Features of the Palestinian Economy’s New Trade Regime.......................... 68 4.3.1 Objectives and Underpinnings..................................................... 68 4.3.2 Key Elements and Rationale...................................................... 69 5 CONCLUSION: SEQUENCING OF REFORMS . 74 APPENDIX 1 LISTS A1, A2, AND B . 79 APPENDIX 2 LIST OF CONTROLLED DUAL-USE ITEMS . 84 APPENDIX 3 TRADE FLOWS ANALYSIS . 90 iii 16783_Palestine Trade Note.indd 3 12/15/17 10:56 AM APPENDIX 4 GRAVITY MODELING OF THE PALESTINIAN Economy’s TRADE POTENTIAL . 103 REFERENCES . 110 Tables Table 1: Comparison of the Palestinian Trade Outcomes...................................... 9 Table 2: Neighboring Trading Partners of the Palestinian and Israeli Economies Exports of Goods and Services ............................................................. 17 Table 3: Palestinian Imports from Israel and Israel’s Exports to the World...................... 18 Table 4: Tariff Schedules 2011–15 .......................................................... 19 Table 5: Overview of Proposed Short-term Measures......................................... 25 Table 6: Process for Export of Goods at the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge ...................... 38 Table 7: Estimated Increase of Trade Volumes Resulting from Containerization................. 45 Table 8: Key Trade-Offs of Alternative Trade Regimes ....................................... 66 Table 9: Proposed Staging of Reforms ...................................................... 75 Table 1.1: List A1—Goods Imported Must Be Locally Produced in Jordan and Egypt .............. 79 Table 1.2: List A2—Goods May Be Imported from Arab, Islamic, or Other Countries ............. 81 Table 1.3: List B—Goods Imported Subject to Israeli Standards ............................... 83 Table 2.1: Section 1 (Applies to West Bank and Gaza)......................................... 84 Table 2.2: Section 2 (Applies to Gaza) ...................................................... 87 Table 2.3: Dual-Use Items for Construction Projects in Gaza .................................. 89 Table 3.1: The Palestinian Economy’s Top 10 Export Partners 2010–14......................... 90 Table 3.2: The Palestinian Economy’s Top 10 Import Partners 2010–14 ........................ 91 Table 3.3: Israel’s Top 10 Export Partners 2010–14 .......................................... 91 Table 3.4: The Palestinian Economy’s Top 25 Merchandise Imports from Israel 2010–14 (SITC 3–6 digit-level data) .................................... 93 Table 3.5: The Palestinian Economy’s Top 25 Merchandise Exports to Israel 2010–14 ........... 95 Table 3.6: Palestinian Top 30 Merchandise Exports .......................................... 97 Table 3.7: Palestinian Top 30 Merchandise Imports .......................................... 99 Table 4.1: The Palestinian Economy Actual and Potential Exports to World Regions ............. 106 Table 4.2: Israel Potential Trade with the Palestinian Economy and Actual Trade with Selected Peers ............................................................. 108 Table 4.3: The Palestinian Economy Actual and Potential Imports from World Regions.......... 109 Figures Figure 1: Trade Costs and Process Duration Comparison ..................................... 44 Figure 2: Volume of Trucks at Allenby/King Hussein Bridge ................................... 45 Figure 3.1: Israel’s Exports as a Share of GDP................................................ 92 Figure 3.2: Palestinian Merchandise Exports by Skill and Technology Intensity (current US$1,000) ....................................................................... 101 Figure 3.3: The Palestinian Economy’s Composition of Merchandise Exports (current US$1,000) ....................................................................... 101 Figure 3.4: Palestinian Merchandise Imports by Skill and Technology Intensity (current US$1,000) ....................................................................... 102 Figure 3.5: The Palestinian Economy’s
Recommended publications
  • Pdf | 459.71 Kb
    מרכז המידע הישראלי לזכויות האדם בשטחים (ע.ר.) One Big Prison Freedom of Movement to and from the Gaza Strip on the Eve of the Disengagement Plan March 2005 Researched and written by Yehezkel Lein Data coordination by Najib Abu Rokaya, Ariana Baruch, Rim ‘Odeh, Shlomi Swissa Fieldwork by Musa Abu Hashhash, Iyad Haddad, Zaki Kahil, Karim Jubran, Mazen al-Majdalawi, ‘Abd al-Karim S’adi Assistance on legal issues by Yossi Wolfson Translated by Zvi Shulman, Shaul Vardi Edited by Rachel Greenspahn Introduction “The only thing missing in Gaza is a morning line-up,” said Abu Majid, who spent ten years in Israeli prisons, to Israeli journalist Amira Hass in 1996.1 This sarcastic comment expressed the frustration of Gaza residents that results from Israel’s rigid policy of closure on the Gaza Strip following the signing of the Oslo Agreements. The gap between the metaphor of the Gaza Strip as a prison and the reality in which Gazans live has rapidly shrunk since the outbreak of the intifada in September 2000 and the imposition of even harsher restrictions on movement. The shrinking of this gap is the subject of this report. Israel’s current policy on access into and out of the Gaza Strip developed gradually during the 1990s. The main component is the “general closure” that was imposed in 1993 on the Occupied Territories and has remained in effect ever since. Every Palestinian wanting to enter Israel, including those wanting to travel between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, needs an individual permit. In 1995, about the time of the Israeli military’s redeployment in the Gaza Strip pursuant to the Oslo Agreements, Israel built a perimeter fence, encircling the Gaza Strip and separating it from Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of People-To-People Programs in the Current Israeli-Palestinian
    The Power of Possibility: The Role of People-to-People Programs in the Current Israeli- Palestinian Reality Forum Israel Shira Herzog and Avivit Hai ECF economic cooperation foundation © 2005 by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Israel Office P.O.Box 12235 Herzliya 46733, Israel Editor: Hermann Bünz Layout: Jaffa Cohen Printing: Ra'ayon All rights reserved. Editorial The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is a non-profit organisation with ideological roots in the German and international labour movement. Out of a profound commitment to social justice and peaceful coexistence both within societies and between nations, the Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung office in Israel contributes to - Strengthening German-Israeli relations - Facilitating the peace process and regional co-operation - Improving labour relations - Working for gender equality and women's empowerment - Democracy education for youth - Policy consulting and information Together with its partners, the Israel office of the Friedrich-Ebert- Stiftung regularly holds public forums and workshops which address the above-mentioned topics. Authoritative representatives from the political, social, economic, and academic worlds are invited to take part in these encounters. Lectures and addresses given at these events, as well as conference summaries, are reproduced in this series of brochures, entitled "Israel Forum". The series is also intended for the presentation of policy analyses and research results which constitute the backdrop to such public forums. www.fes.org.il Opening Note The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) and the Economic Cooperation Foundation (ECF) are pleased to support this publication, "The Power of Possibility – the Role of People-to-People in the Current Israeli-Palestinian Reality." The last few months have seen dramatic changes in the Israeli-Palestinian relationship.
    [Show full text]
  • Jordan – Palestinians – West Bank – Passports – Citizenship – Fatah
    Refugee Review Tribunal AUSTRALIA RRT RESEARCH RESPONSE Research Response Number: JOR35401 Country: Jordan Date: 27 October 2009 Keywords: Jordan – Palestinians – West Bank – Passports – Citizenship – Fatah This response was prepared by the Research & Information Services Section of the Refugee Review Tribunal (RRT) after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the RRT within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. This research response may not, under any circumstance, be cited in a decision or any other document. Anyone wishing to use this information may only cite the primary source material contained herein. Questions 1. Please provide background on the issue of Jordanian citizenship for persons of West Bank Palestinian descent. 2. What is the overall situation for Palestinian citizens of Jordan? 3. Have there been any crackdowns upon Fatah members over the last 15 years? 4. What kind of relationship exists between Fatah and the Jordanian authorities? RESPONSE 1. Please provide background on the issue of Jordanian citizenship for persons of West Bank Palestinian descent. Most Palestinians in Jordan hold a Jordanian passport of some type but the status accorded different categories of Palestinians in Jordan varies, as does the manner and terminology through which different sources classify and discuss Palestinians in Jordan. The webpage of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) states that: “All Palestine refugees in Jordan have full Jordanian citizenship with the exception of about 120,000 refugees originally from the Gaza Strip, which up to 1967 was administered by Egypt”; the latter being “eligible for temporary Jordanian passports, which do not entitle them to full citizenship rights such as the right to vote and employment with the government”.
    [Show full text]
  • Arrested Development: the Long Term Impact of Israel's Separation Barrier in the West Bank
    B’TSELEM - The Israeli Information Center for ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT Human Rights in the Occupied Territories 8 Hata’asiya St., Talpiot P.O. Box 53132 Jerusalem 91531 The Long Term Impact of Israel's Separation Tel. (972) 2-6735599 | Fax (972) 2-6749111 Barrier in the West Bank www.btselem.org | [email protected] October 2012 Arrested Development: The Long Term Impact of Israel's Separation Barrier in the West Bank October 2012 Research and writing Eyal Hareuveni Editing Yael Stein Data coordination 'Abd al-Karim Sa'adi, Iyad Hadad, Atef Abu a-Rub, Salma a-Deb’i, ‘Amer ‘Aruri & Kareem Jubran Translation Deb Reich Processing geographical data Shai Efrati Cover Abandoned buildings near the barrier in the town of Bir Nabala, 24 September 2012. Photo Anne Paq, activestills.org B’Tselem would like to thank Jann Böddeling for his help in gathering material and analyzing the economic impact of the Separation Barrier; Nir Shalev and Alon Cohen- Lifshitz from Bimkom; Stefan Ziegler and Nicole Harari from UNRWA; and B’Tselem Reports Committee member Prof. Oren Yiftachel. ISBN 978-965-7613-00-9 Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................ 5 Part I The Barrier – A Temporary Security Measure? ................. 7 Part II Data ....................................................................... 13 Maps and Photographs ............................................................... 17 Part III The “Seam Zone” and the Permit Regime ..................... 25 Part IV Case Studies ............................................................ 43 Part V Violations of Palestinians’ Human Rights due to the Separation Barrier ..................................................... 63 Conclusions................................................................................ 69 Appendix A List of settlements, unauthorized outposts and industrial parks on the “Israeli” side of the Separation Barrier .................. 71 Appendix B Response from Israel's Ministry of Justice .......................
    [Show full text]
  • Access to Jerusalem – New Military Order Limits West Bank Palestinian Access
    February 2006 Special Focus Humanitarian Reports Humanitarian Assistance in the oPt Humanitarian Events Monitoring Issues Special Focus: Access to Jerusalem – New Military Order Limits West Bank Palestinian Access As the Barrier nears completion around Jerusalem, recent Israeli The eight other crossings are less time-consuming - drivers and their military orders further restrict West Bank Palestinian pedestrian and passengers generally drive through a checkpoint encountering only vehicle access into Jerusalem.1 These orders integrate the Barrier random ID checks. crossing regime into the closure system and limit West Bank Palestinian traffic into Jerusalem to four Barrier crossings (see map Reduced access to religious sites: below): Qalandiya from the north, Gilo from the south2, Shu’fat camp The ability of the Muslim and Christian communities in the West from the east and Ras Abu Sbeitan (Olive) for pedestrian residents Bank to freely access holy sites in Jerusalem is an additional of Abu Dis, and Al ‘Eizariya.3 concern. With these orders, for example, all three major routes between Jerusalem and Bethlehem (Tunnel road, original Road 60 Currently, there are 12 routes and crossings to enter Jerusalem from (Gilo) and Ein Yalow) will be blocked for Palestinian use. the West Bank including the four in the Barrier (see detailed map Christian and Muslim residents of Bethlehem and the surrounding attached). The eight other routes and crossing points into Jerusalem, villages will in the future access Jerusalem through one barrier now closed to West Bank Palestinians, will remain open to residents crossing and only if a permit has been obtained from the Israeli Civil of Israel including those living in settlements, persons of Jewish Administration.
    [Show full text]
  • North Gaza Industrial Zone – Concept Note
    North Gaza Industrial Zone – Concept Note A Private Sector-Led, Growth and Employment Promoting Solution December 19, 2016 Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Introduction: Purpose and Structure of the Concept Note 5 Chapter One: Current Realities of the Gaza Economy and Private Sector 6 The Macro Economic Anomaly of Gaza: the Role of External Aid, and the Impact of Political Conditions and Restrictions 6 Role of External Aid 6 The Effect of Political Developments and Restrictions 8 The Impact of Gaza on Palestine's Macro Economic Indicators 9 Trade Activity 9 Current Situation of the Private Sector in Gaza 12 Chapter Two: The proposed Solution - North Gaza Industrial Zone (NGIZ) 13 A New Vision for Private- Sector-Led Economic Revival of Gaza 13 The NGIZ – Concept and Modules 13 Security, Administration and Management of the NGIZ 14 The Economic Regime of the NGIZ and its Development through Public Private Partnership 16 The NGIZ - Main Economic Features and Benefits 18 Trade and Investment Enablers 19 Industrial Compounds 20 Agricultural Compounds 22 Logistical Compounds 24 Trade and Business Compounds 24 Energy, Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Compounds 26 The Erez Land Transportation Compound 27 The Gaza Off-Shore Port Compound 27 Chapter Three: Macro-Economic Effects in comparison to relevant case studies 29 Effect on Employment 29 Effect on Exports and GDP 30 Are Such Changes Realistic? Evidence and Case Studies 33 Evidence from Palestinian and Gazan Economic History 35 List of References 36 Annex A: Private Sector Led Economic Revival of Gaza – An Overview 38 Introduction: The Economic Potential of Gaza 38 Weaknesses and strengths of the Private Sector in Gaza 38 Development Strategy Based on Leveraging Strengths 40 Political Envelope and Economic Policy Enabling Measures 41 Trade Policy Enablers 42 Export and Investment Promotion Measures 44 Solutions for the Medium and Longer Terms 45 2 Executive Summary The purpose of this concept note is to propose a politically and economically feasible solution that can start the economic revival of Gaza.
    [Show full text]
  • TOURS to JORDAN by BUS Jordan - 3 Days/2 Nights Tour - Departs Every Sunday from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem 1St Day Allenby Bridge - Madaba/Mt
    TOURS TO JORDAN BY BUS Jordan - 3 days/2 nights tour - Departs every Sunday from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem 1st Day Allenby Bridge - Madaba/Mt. Nebo/Amman (or Sheik Hussein Bridge) Drive from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Allenby Bridge, after border crossing procedures enter Jordan. Drive to Madaba to see the ancient mosaic map of the Holyland and ruins of historical sites. Continue about 10 km. to Mount Nebo, from where Moses viewed the promised land. From there you will see the Jordan Valley, Jericho, Dead Sea etc. Visit the remains of a Byzantine church with a mosaic floor, then drive to Amman the capital city of Jordan - a short orientation tour viewing the various landmarks of the city and drive to hotel for dinner and overnight. 2nd Day Amman/Petra/Amman After early breakfast, leave the hotel and travel south on the road to Wadi Musa. Then on horseback through the "Siq" (canyon) to Petra known as "Sela Edom" or red rock city, the ancient capital of the Nabateans from 3rd century B.C. to 2nd century A.D., visit the most interesting carved monuments such as the Treasury, El Khazneh (a tomb of a Nabatean king) then the field of tombs, obelisks, the altar (Al Madhbah) - from this point you can view the whole of the rock city then back to Wad Musa village and drive back to Amman for dinner and overnight. 3rd Day Amman/Allenby Bridge/Jerusalem After breakfast leave the hotel and proceed to Jerash - city of the Decapolis, located about 45 Km North of Amman in the fertile heights of the Gilad, visit the ancient Roman city with colonnaded streets, the baths & the hilltop Temple etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Progressive Action Guide
    Activist Guide Progressive Action for Human Rights, Peace & Reconciliation in Israel and Palestine Prepared as part of TTN’s Boston & New England Initiative for Progressive Academic Engagement with Israel and Palestine The Third Narrative (TTN) is an initiative of Ameinu 424 West 33rd Street, Suite 150 New York, NY 10001 212-366-1194 Table of contents Introduction 2 Menu of Activist Tactics 3 Advocacy & Political Action in the U.S. Direct Action / Volunteering in Israel and Palestine Investment in a Palestinian State 4 Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Education Cultural & Academic Exchange 5 Activist Resources 6 Anti-Occupation Activists: Israel and Palestine Anti-Occupation Activists: North America 8 Coexistence & Dialogue 9 Environmental Initiatives 13 Human Rights 14 Israeli Arab Empowerment and Equality 15 Economic Development Health Initiatives 16 Think Tanks – Public Policy 17 Appendix: Educational Travel in Israel and Palestine 18 1 Introduction If you are pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli and would like to help promote two states, human rights and social justice in Palestine and Israel, this guide is for you. It is meant primarily for North American progressives in colleges and universities, but we believe people in unions, religious organizations and other groups will also find it useful. Currently, one question that is hotly debated on many campuses is whether or not to support the BDS (boycott, divestment, sanctions) movement targeting Israel. Often, this conversation diverts attention from a wide range of other political options aimed at ending the Israeli occupation, building a viable Palestinian state, protecting human rights and fostering reconciliation between Jews and Arabs. We have prepared this guide to describe and promote those options.
    [Show full text]
  • An Israeli-Palestinian Confederation: a Viable Alternative for the “Two States Solution”?
    An Israeli-Palestinian Confederation: A viable alternative for the “two states solution”? Friedrich Naumann STIFTUNG FÜR DIE FREIHEIT HKS 92 (grau) CMYK 10, 0, 5, 65 HKS 44 (blau) CMYK 100, 50, 0, 0 An Israeli-Palestinian Confederation: A viable alternative for the “two states solution”? Table of Contents Introductory Note Yair Hirschfeld .............................................................................................................................................................. 2 An Israeli-Palestinian Confederation: A viable alternative for the “two states solution”? Eran Etzion ........................................................................................................................................................................ 4 Israel and Palestine: For and Against the Idea of a Confederation Yair Hirschfeld .............................................................................................................................................................. 20 About the writers ................................................................................................................................................. 31 The repeated failure of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations during the last decades, regional unrest and destabilization throughout the Middle East have contributed to a diminished public belief and confidence in the viability of a peaceful Israel-Palestine two state solution. Through the encouragement and support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Liberty, the S.
    [Show full text]
  • Jordan, Israel and Palestine. Jordan and the Holy Land
    t: 01392 660056 e: [email protected] Jordan & The Holy Land Jordan, Jericho and Jerusalem Join us on this fascinating joint Geography and Religious Studies adventure to the amazing countries of Jordan, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We will travel deep into the heart of Jordan’s amazing desert landscapes, visit the magical ancient city of Petra, sleep under star-filled desert skies amidst the rugged landscape of Wadi Rum and be bowled over by scenery at the Crusader Castle of Kerak. After descending to 427m below Sea Level at the Dead Sea, we start climbing and cross the Allenby Bridge into Israel and Palestine. Here we explore the classic sites and extra-ordinary history of the Holy Land, including Jericho, Bethlehem, Bethany and Jerusalem. In short, this is an exceptional educational adventure that will stay with you for a long time. Recommended itinerary: Culture shock rating: Day 1: Fly UK ––– Amman We will be met on arrival and transferred to our hotel. Physical rating: Day 2: Jerash & Amman - Today we head 50km north to Jerash, one of the finest examples of a provincial Roman town. The extraordinarily complete remains include a forum, a nymphaeum, hippodrome, two theatres, several temples and the famous Colonnaded Street. We will enjoy the excitement of a spectacular chariot race before leaving Jerash and heading north to Umm Qais to look over the Sea of Galilee into Israel. Day 3: Kings Highway, Mt Nebo, Madaba, PetraPetra————Today we head to Nebo and Madaba; Visit Madaba and the Basilica of St. George. In the floor of the church is the remarkable 6th century mosaic map – two million pieces of coloured stone depicting the hills, valleys and towns of the Holy Land.
    [Show full text]
  • B'tselem and Hamoked Report: One Big Prison
    One Big Prison Freedom of Movement to and from the Gaza Strip on the Eve of the Disengagement Plan March 2005 One Big Prison Freedom of Movement to and from the Gaza Strip on the Eve of the Disengagement Plan March 2005 Researched and written by Yehezkel Lein Data coordination by Najib Abu Rokaya, Ariana Baruch, Reem ‘Odeh, Shlomi Swissa Fieldwork by Musa Abu Hashhash, Iyad Haddad, Zaki Kahil, Karim Jubran, Mazen al-Majdalawi, ‘Abd al-Karim S’adi Assistance on legal issues by Yossi Wolfson Translated by Zvi Shulman, Shaul Vardi Edited by Rachel Greenspahn Cover photo: Palestinians wait for relatives at Rafah Crossing (Muhammad Sallem, Reuters) ISSN 0793-520X B’TSELEM - The Israeli Center for Human Rights HaMoked: Center for the Defence of in the Occupied Territories was founded in 1989 by a the Individual, founded by Dr. Lotte group of lawyers, authors, academics, journalists, and Salzberger is an Israeli human rights Knesset members. B’Tselem documents human rights organization founded in 1988 against the abuses in the Occupied Territories and brings them to backdrop of the first intifada. HaMoked is the attention of policymakers and the general public. Its designed to guard the rights of Palestinians, data are based on independent fieldwork and research, residents of the Occupied Territories, official sources, the media, and data from Palestinian whose liberties are violated as a result of and Israeli human rights organizations. Israel's policies. Introduction “The only thing missing in Gaza is a morning Since the beginning of the occupation, line-up,” said Abu Majid, who spent ten Palestinians traveling from the Gaza Strip to years in Israeli prisons, to Israeli journalist Egypt through the Rafah crossing have needed Amira Hass in 1996.1 This sarcastic comment a permit from Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • Ganni Vaggi Sara Baroud
    A Service of Leibniz-Informationszentrum econstor Wirtschaft Leibniz Information Centre Make Your Publications Visible. zbw for Economics Vaggi, Gianni; Baroud, Sara Working Paper Asymmetries and economic interaction between Israel and Palestine Quaderni di Dipartimento - EPMQ, No. 173 Provided in Cooperation with: University of Pavia, Department of Economics and Quantitative Methods (EPMQ) Suggested Citation: Vaggi, Gianni; Baroud, Sara (2005) : Asymmetries and economic interaction between Israel and Palestine, Quaderni di Dipartimento - EPMQ, No. 173, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Dipartimento di Economia Politica e Metodi Quantitativi (EPMQ), Pavia This Version is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/87104 Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen: Terms of use: Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Documents in EconStor may be saved and copied for your Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden. personal and scholarly purposes. Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle You are not to copy documents for public or commercial Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich purposes, to exhibit the documents publicly, to make them machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen. publicly available on the internet, or to distribute or otherwise use the documents in public. Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, If the documents have been made available under an Open gelten
    [Show full text]