General · 21 February 2026
Israel keeps $4bn tax money from Palestinian Authority
The Palestinian Authority is failing to provide services in the West Bank amid economic crisis and settlement growth. Israel is holding back over $4bn in collected taxes, forcing officials to pay staff only 60% of their wages. This funding shortage has reduced schooling for 600,000 children to just three days per week. Meanwhile, local councils report that military barriers and land seizures prevent residents from reaching their farms.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs