Feb 19, 2024. Posted by Balkan Periscope - Hellas
Copenhagen,
Denmark.
Norway says it will transfer tax funds to the Palestinian Authority that
have been frozen for months because of a dispute with Israel.
Under interim peace agreements dating back to the early 1990s, Israel collects taxes and customs on behalf of the PA, which administers parts of the occupied West Bank and also helps pay for public services in Gaza.
After Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack triggered the war in Gaza, Israel reduced
the transfers by the amount that is spent on the territory. The PA refused to
accept the partial transfers, even though it relies on the taxes to cover most
of its budget.
Under the agreement announced on Sunday, Israel will transfer all the funds
to Norway. The Scandinavian country will in turn transfer funds for the West
Bank to the Palestinian Authority while holding those destined for Gaza.
International
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