Economic Losses and Damage to Infrastructure in Nablus and Jenin since the Start of the Israeli Aggression Against the Gaza Strip and West Bank

Since the start of Israel’s aggression on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the majority of economic activities declined to their lowest recorded levels across all governorates of the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt). This aggression represents a violent repetition (and concrete embodiment) of the destructive practices of the occupation, which have continued unabated for decades, distorting the Palestinian economy and making it more vulnerable to shocks, such as the aggression that commenced in October 2023. The economy and essential components of human life are being destroyed in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, in the West Bank, the situation continues to worsen as a result of strict occupation policies towards Palestinian cities and villages, in addition to settler violence, leading to a major disruption in various economic activities across a number of cities and their environs: Jenin, Tubas, Nablus, Tulkarem, and Jericho.

Since its first days, the War on Gaza coincided with aggression against the West Bank, as the Israeli occupation besieged Palestinian cities and villages and surrounded them with more military checkpoints, of various types and sizes. Their number rose from 567 checkpoints on October 7 (77 major checkpoints, 490 military outposts, as well as sand barriers, cement barriers, and iron gates), to about 700 checkpoints today. This has been accompanied by an increase in the frequency of incursions and military operations, especially in the cities of Nablus and Jenin, leading to a significant decline in economic activities, especially retail and tourism (hotels and restaurants), both of which are considered economic backbones of the two cities.1 Nablus and Jenin are the largest cities (and governorates) in the northern West Bank in terms of area and population. Under normal circumstances, their economies are active, especially with the influx of thousands of Palestinians from across the Green Line every week for shopping and university studies. According to Figure 1, the two cities include about 14,395 operating establishments, employing about 45,005 workers (35,121 male and 9,884 female). 

The combined total population of both cities is 204,977.