Facilitating the Trade Corridor between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip
This report aims to investigate strategies for facilitating trade between the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with an emphasis on evaluating economic dynamics in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, conflict. It also demonstrates the extent of the decline in imports into Gaza Strip following the October 7 war compared to the pre-war period and evaluates the ability of the West Bank's private sector to provide Gaza with essential food items such as flour, wheat, frozen vegetables and meat, spices, and other staples, as well as consumer goods like shoes, which are in short in Gaza. Additionally, this report presents a comprehensive overview of the study issue, based on desk research and review of relevant papers and studies, using data published on the digital platforms of international organizations and also conducting in-depth interviews with the relevant stakeholders to provide a comprehensive understanding of the trade corridor between the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The report recommends that after the war ends or an actual ceasefire takes place, previous agreements should be implemented, such as the Safe Passage Protocol between the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1999 to facilitate the free movement of people and commercial goods and implementation of the 2005 Crossing Agreement is based on its provisions aimed at connecting the West Bank with Gaza Strip. In addition, the report emphasizes the importance of the government providing tax incentives, such as temporary exemptions from income tax or significant tax allowances, for traders who import food and basic necessities into Gaza. It also urges the creation of an emergency fund in coordination with international and UN organizations operating in Gaza to support the continuous flow of essential goods.