Palestinian Authority under strain as Israel deepens West Bank control

The Palestinian Authority is facing severe financial strain after large unpaid tax transfers and the loss of permits for many Palestinian workers, while Israeli land-registration and settlement measures are expanding control across parts of the West Bank.

The Palestinian Authority is under growing strain as Israeli control over parts of the West Bank increases. Villages such as al-Mughayyir face settler expansion and restricted access. The PA is also in a deep financial crisis after loss of work permits and withheld tax transfers. These pressures are renewing debate about the PA's political future. Key facts: - The PA says it is owed more than $4bn and has been paying most public sector workers about 60% of their salaries, while many schools operate only three days a week. - Around 100,000 Palestinians lost permits to work in Israel after the 7 October attacks, reducing household incomes and PA revenues. - Israel has introduced land-registration and regulatory measures and settlement expansion that a UN official described as "gradual, de facto annexation." - A senior Israeli minister has publicly said he seeks to end the idea of a Palestinian state and pledged to cancel aspects of the Oslo framework; national elections are due this year. Summary: The PA's fiscal and administrative capacity has been weakened by withheld transfers, lost work permits and expanding Israeli measures in the West Bank, affecting public services and livelihoods. International bodies including many UN member states, the EU and the Arab League have condemned unilateral steps, while Israeli political statements and upcoming elections could influence policy. Undetermined at this time.