Long fragile and constrained by Israeli restrictions, the Palestinian economy is in dire straits. The focus since Hamas’ October 7 attack and the ensuing war has been on the devastation in Gaza. Yet Israel’s tightening restrictions on Palestinians’ movement, and on the Palestinian Authority’s access to funds in the West Bank have contracted the economy to crisis-levels. According to a recent report by Joost Hiltermann at the International Crisis Group, the West Bank economy is unable to support basic public services, and Palestinian financial institutions are “close to insolvency.”
The immediate implications for Palestinians, and the long-term repercussions for Palestinians and Israelis alike, are severe. To discuss the causes, consequences, and ways to address these trends, please join the Middle East Institute on Wednesday, July 15, at 9:30 AM ET, for a discussion with Dr. Feras Milhem, former Governor of the Palestine Monetary Authority; Dr. Joost Hiltermann, Special Adviser for MENA at the International Crisis Group; and Tahani Mustafa, Associate Fellow at MEI. The discussion will be moderated by MEI Senior Fellow Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen.
Speakers
Dr. Feras Milhem
Former Governor of the Palestine Monetary Authority
Dr. Joost Hilterman
Special Adviser for the Middle East and North Africa, International Crisis Group
Tahani Mustafa
Associate Fellow, Middle East Institute
Lucy Kurtzer-Ellenbogen (Moderator)
Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute
