Former Palestinian Monetary Authority Governor Discusses Financial Struggles, Path to Peace
In an exclusive interview with Felice Friedson, Azzam Shawwa, former governor of the Palestine Monetary Authority, discussed the severe economic challenges facing Palestinian society. Shawwa highlighted the dire financial state of the Palestinian Authority, which has been unable to pay government salaries for over 10 months. He also pointed out the devastating impact of the withholding of funds by the Israeli government, which has left 150,000 Palestinians who had been employed in Israel without income.
Shawwa expressed frustration over the lack of support from Arab countries, noting that despite promises, only Algeria has fulfilled its financial commitments. He emphasized the need for transparency in governance to attract international aid. The complex political situation has led many countries to adopt a wait-and-see approach, further complicating efforts to secure funding.
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The ex-monetary authority governor also spoke about the broader challenges in Gaza and the West Bank, including a significant brain drain, with many Palestinians leaving for Egypt or the Americas. He shared his personal grief, having lost 95 family members, and urged for peace as the only viable path forward. Shawwa remains hopeful that a peaceful resolution will encourage donors to invest in Palestine, particularly in the struggling Gaza region.
For a deeper understanding of Shawwa’s insights, watch the video interview and read the full transcript.
