Bonanza for Palestinian businesses as Ramadan travel permits canceled
While Israel’s cancellation of travel permits to some 200,000 Palestinians during the end of the month of Ramadan was a setback to the plans of many, it was a blessing in disguise for local entrepreneurs, restaurants and resorts.
The June 16 stabbing attack in Jerusalem that led to the death of an Israeli soldier caused an angry Israeli response. Three Palestinian youths carried out two simultaneous knife attacks in Jerusalem that killed an Israeli female soldier. The three Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli soldiers.
In addition to the issuing of orders to demolish the West Bank homes of the youths following the attack, the Israeli army canceled June 18 the permits of some 200,000 Palestinians to visit Jerusalem and Israel. The permits issued for the holy month of Ramadan canceled the trips of many West Bank Palestinians to the shores of the Mediterranean, the Sea of Galilee and other tourist spots in Israel.
But the collective punishment levied on Palestinians was a blessing in disguise for others. West Bank shops, malls, hotels, restaurants and entertainment sites recorded full capacity during Eid al-Fitr on June 25-28, marking the end of the month of fasting. Travel outside of the West Bank to Jordan, Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, and Turkish resorts also set record numbers late in June.
The reservations director at the Golden Park Resort in Beit Sahour near Bethlehem told Al-Monitor that the resort was at full capacity the entire four-day holiday. The owner of the Dalou vegetable and fruit store, one of the oldest in the old city of Ramallah, said that the holiday produced high sales, especially for local restaurants. Nearby, grocery store owner Badra Khayatt said that the holiday crowds who did not travel spent their money in Ramallah for a change. Even local Ramallah barber Abu Issa told Al-Monitor that his salon was open for nearly 60 consecutive hours.
