
Norway to facilitate Palestinian tax funds
Norway has agreed to act as an intermediary for tax funds collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian authorities. This decision will allow the Palestinian Authority to receive tax monies that have been frozen by Israel for several months due to concerns the funds could reach Hamas, which Israel is in conflict with in Gaza. The frozen funds constitute approximately 60% of the Palestinian Authority’s income, totaling about $188 million a month. The transfer process through Norway is pending approval from both Palestinian and Israeli parties. The Palestinian finance minister, Shukri Bishara, has expressed gratitude towards Norway for its consistent support for Palestinian independence and state formation efforts. This financial arrangement is seen as a critical lifeline.