The Economic Impact of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict in the West Bank

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the occupied West Bank has had a significant economic impact on Palestinian communities in the region. The recent ban on Arab access to Israel following the attacks of 7 October has led to a loss of livelihood for many Palestinians, forcing them to find alternative means of income such as picking olives. The intense security crackdown by Israel has also imposed greater restrictions on freedom of movement, with checkpoints becoming a source of resentment for Palestinians. Additionally, the conflict has soured relations between Jewish settlers and Arab neighbors, further exacerbating tensions in the region. The events of 7 October, including the Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s military response, have fundamentally altered the perception of Arab neighbors among Israelis. The discovery of Gazans working with Israelis who later aided Hamas has caused distrust and made it more difficult to rebuild trust between communities. The security crackdown has also increased the number of arrests and deaths in the West Bank, leading to Palestinian protests and anger, especially in response to settler violence. The conflict ultimately comes down to land, with both Israelis and Palestinians asserting their right to the contested territory. The call for a Two-State Solution has become increasingly unlikely, with compromise seemingly impossible under the current coalition government. Many Palestinians and the international community view the Two-State Solution as the only acceptable outcome, as anything else would continue to deny rights and freedoms to ordinary Palestinians. The desire for peace and security is a shared goal among Palestinians, who hope to be able to live and raise their families without the fear of violence and instability.