Middle East Inside Line: Palestinians Start Their Own "Economic Sanctions"

Palestinian officials are confiscating merchandise produced in West Bank settlements. Sources in the National Economy Ministry said that NIS 651,982 ($171,619) worth of goods were confiscated in the second week of December alone.

National Economy Minister Hassan Abu Libdeh said that the Palestinian Authority is not taking steps against Israeli-made goods, only against products made in the settlements. He pointed to the wider political significance of the move, however, noting that Israelis are violating the Oslo accords and an "economic peace" policy by making it almost impossible to market Palestinian merchandise in Israel and Gaza.

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