Minister without portfolio Meir Sheetrit: The transfer of money for social needs is also effective in fighting Hamas.
The World Bank is studying the economic ramifications of a total Israeli disengagement from the Gaza Strip, and the financial needs of the Palestinian Authority, if the Israeli government approves a new disengagement plan.
Minister without portfolio Meir Sheetrit revealed that a World Bank study on consequences of full economic disengagement would be given to the Israeli government for comments before publication.
Sheetrit said he had reached an agreement with World Bank president James Wolfensohn on a visit to Israel by the World Bank aid committee at the same time the report is published. "Alongside military measures, the transfer of money for social needs is effective in fighting Hamas," Sheetrit said, adding that the World Bank should transfer funds to the Palestinians for social needs.
Sheetrit proposed closing the Erez industrial zone and establishing a separate industrial zone for the Palestinians. He also proposes that the World Bank finance the construction of power plants and water infrastructures in the Gaza Strip.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on May 20, 2004