The economic dimensions of prolonged occupation

"Drawing on the findings of UNCTAD's annual reports since 1985 on the Palestinian economy under occupation, this review examines whether the "new" Israeli "economic peace" initiatives differ in essence from previous Israeli strategies towards the economy of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. A coherent argument emerges, which, firstly, highlights a strong continuity in Israeli policy affecting the economy of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (despite the changing strategies deployed). Secondly, this analysis calls for a bold departure from conventional "Palestinian economic policy wisdom", which has left unchallenged the context, frameworks and policies of occupation, and which has advanced economic policy prescriptions oblivious to the impact of prolonged conflict. An alternative policy framework is needed, which recognizes the realities of the Palestinian economy and of what has been learnt of the uncomfortable truths about the incompatibility between occupation and development."--P. 1.