Palestinian Authority Finance Minister: 'We Are in Survival Mode'

The Palestinian Authority's finance minister, Estephan Salameh, warned in an interview that the ongoing Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Israel's refusal to transfer customs taxes collected on behalf of the Authority risk triggering a collapse of vital sectors. Salameh said the Authority is in "survival mode" and faces an "existential threat." He cited education, health care, and security as sectors most at risk if the financial crisis deepens. Under international agreements, Israel collects customs taxes on goods destined for Palestinian territories and is supposed to transfer those funds to the Palestinian Authority. Israel has withheld some of these payments, citing security concerns and political disputes. Salameh's comments highlight the growing financial strain on the Authority, which relies heavily on those tax revenues to pay public sector salaries and maintain basic services. Without the funds, the Authority may struggle to function, potentially destabilizing the West Bank.