The Palestinian Minister of National Economy, Mohammed Al-Amour, met with Stefan Emblad, the World Bank’s Country Director for the West Bank and Gaza.
The talks aimed at economic development amidst ongoing challenges, particularly with the continued escalation in Gaza.
During the meeting held at the ministry’s headquarters in Ramallah, both parties referenced the “Interim Damage Assessment” report, which estimates the damages to buildings and vital infrastructure in Gaza at approximately $18.5 billion—equivalent to 97% of Palestine’s total GDP in 2022.
Minister Al-Amour called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt its ongoing escalation that began in October 2023 and to open all crossings to allow aid into Gaza. He briefed the World Bank on the Palestinian government’s agenda, focusing on delivering humanitarian and relief aid to Gaza’s population, recovery, reconstruction, financial situations, and their impact on economic stability, as well as institutional reform. He expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s support.
The meeting also reviewed the various support programs implemented by the World Bank, emphasizing their vitality and the importance of empowering the government to carry out its programs, especially in the face of significant challenges such as the ongoing Israeli seizure of Palestinian clearance revenues.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue cooperation and coordination in implementing programs and projects that contribute to economic development.
