The US urges Israel: "Remove the ban on the entry of Palestinian workers"

American Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said today (Tuesday) that she urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to increase commercial involvement with the Palestinian Authority, arguing that this is important for the economic well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians.

After warning Israel of a maneuver in Rafah: the United States takes an extreme step
The Biden administration is considering: sanctions on additional settlers, and on Ben Gabir report

In the letter, Yellen warned of the consequences of the erosion of basic services in the Palestinian Authority and called on Israel to return work permits to Palestinians and reduce trade barriers. "These actions are essential for the economic well-being of Palestinians and Israelis alike," Yellen said at a press conference in Brazil ahead of a gathering of finance ministers from the Group of 20 countries.

Yellen focused on monitoring the economic consequences of the war and managing the sanctions that the Ministry of Finance imposed on Hamas and those involved in its financial network. While the Biden administration is concerned about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it is increasingly concerned that economic unrest in Judea and Samaria could spark violence and further deteriorate living standards. The war has already taken its toll on Israel's economy, which shrank by almost 20% in the fourth quarter of last year.

Yellen said she is encouraged that revenues are starting to make their way to the Palestinian Authority. This money began to flow following an agreement between Israeli and Palestinian officials earlier this month to use Norway as a temporary intermediary for the transfer of the tax money that Israel had frozen. "The US called on the government of Israel to release tax exemptions to the Palestinian Authority in order to finance basic services and strengthen the economy," said Yellen. "I welcome the news that an agreement has been reached and the funds have started to flow. It must continue."

The Minister of Finance said that the war in Gaza has not yet had a significant impact on the global economy. The United States, she said, continues to explore ways to deliver aid to the Palestinians and strengthen the Palestinian Authority's economy.