Palestinians launch initiatives to fight COVID-19 outbreak
Dozens of individual and community-based initiatives were launched in the West Bank following the declaration of a state of emergency when COVID-19 infections were detected in Bethlehem.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Palestinian Authority (PA) faces major challenges, especially at the financial level, to confront the spread of coronavirus in the Palestinian territories. The PA asked Israel to transfer its withheld clearance funds, according to government spokesman Ibrahim Melhem at a press conference March 22.
According to Hebrew Channel 13, the Israeli government will release 120 million shekels ($33.5 million) from the tax revenues that it collects on the PA’s behalf. The decision was made based upon the recommendation of Israeli security leaders. They fear the coronavirus could spread uncontrollably if the PA is unable to contain it, which could lead to the PA's collapse.
At the local level, dozens of Palestinian individuals and institutions launched initiatives to help the government and infected persons in the Palestinian governorates. Most notably, Nablus governorate institutions launched a fundraising campaign March 17 for the National Solidarity Fund to confront the coronavirus. Donations will be allocated to ensure the treatment of those infected and help poor families.
Confirmed cases in the West Bank and Gaza Strip reached 59 as of March 23. Seventeen of those cases were declared to be recovering in Bethlehem. On the evening of March 22, the West Bank instituted a 14-day lockdown, banning the movement of citizens between Palestinian governorates and preventing citizens from leaving their homes unless necessary.
