Despite the number of coronavirus patients being much lower in the Palestinian Authority (PA) than in Israel, where the number of those infected exceeds the one-thousand threshold, Ramallah still opted to introduce a series of strict measures that include the closure of banks, public offices, and governmental institutions as well as severe limitations on movement; with the public expected to stay indoors unless seeking essential services such as food and medication.
In addition, those coming from abroad have been asked to quarantine themselves for 14 days and the PA promised penalties including fines and imprisonment for those who breach the instructions.
Palestinians Staying Afloat But Seeking Help
According to Ibrahim Melhim, a Palestinian Authority spokesman:
"At this stage, we are focusing on precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus. Although we have the medical teams, it will [definitely] not be enough [if the situation continues to deteriorate], especially given the fact that we have a shortage of medicine and medical equipment."But they will need financial assistance too. On Thursday, Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon signed a decree allowing the transfer of some $33 million of Palestinian taxpayers' money to the PA in a bid to keep their medical system afloat.
Comment: "At the same time, Israel continues to operate in the Palestinian Territories as if there is no coronavirus crisis." What does this tell us about what Israel thinks it knows?