(MAS) is pleased to present to our readers and the general public the annual issue (2020) of the Economic Monitor. The publication of this issue comes one year after the Monitor first appeared in its renewed and updated appearance. This is the fruit of the work of the Institute’s research staff, in cooperation with its three partners: the Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA), the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), and the Palestine Capital Markets Authority (PCMA). This issue covers all economic developments in 2020, with additional commentary on the fourth quarter specifically.

How to Circumvent Israel’s System of Control over Trade within the West Bank, based on the contribution of researcher Mr. Walid Habbas

GDP: GDP grew during Q3 2020, Employment and Unemployment, ublic Finance Net public revenues and grants declined by 47%,reaching NIS 1.3bn, Banking Sector: Credit facilities increased by 3% compared with the previous quarter,Inflation and prices: During Q3 2020

Between 6-13 June, Palestinian individuals and businesses across Palestine and Israel participated in Palestine Economic Week Several initiatives were launched this past month to aid micro, small and medium enterprises The Gaza Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment report was published on 6 July revealing the cost of the physical damage and economic losses resulting from the recent military escalation in the Gaza Strip Al-Quds Index increased by 1.3% in June compared to the previous month, reaching 539.9 points on the last day of trading

The COVID-19 economic shock and the recent conflict with Israel highlight the importance of boosting the Palestinian economy. For starters, the International Monetary Fund should acknowledge Palestine’s fiscal progress over the past quarter-century, and offer it a financial New Deal with upgraded status.

In recent years, the Israeli Civil Administration has been trying to unilaterally disavow the provisions of the Oslo Agreement and its annexes, gradually imposing itself as an alternative to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and its Ministries.