Politics of the Middle East Palestine

Economy Primarily agricultural Employs 90% of the population Challenges: confiscation of land for military and settler use, blockades restrict export and import of materials GDP 6.8 Billion 1600 per capita

People West Bank 2.5 Million Gaza 192,000 E. Jerusalem 1.6 Million Muslim 85%, Jewish, 13%, Christian 2% Literacy 92%

Government 1994 Palestinian Authority established by the Oslo Accords as an interim government semi-presidential multi-party republic, with a Legislative Council, an executive President, and a Prime Minister President and parliament elected by the people PM is appointed by the President2006 Hamas wins decisive election in parliament Refusal to abide by conditions placed on the PA Hamas members removed from West Bank positions, Control taken of Gaza

Hamas Islamist organisation founded 1987 First Intifada Goals: Liberate Palestine, Establish and Islamic State Wings: Social Welfare, Political and Military Governed by a Consultative Council 15 Member Political Bureau elected by the Council

Developments Hamas–Fatah Doha agreement signed in 2011 not implemented, War with Israel, Arab Spring 2012, the status of Palestine in the UN was upgraded to non-member observer "State of Palestine“ equivalent to the Vatican 2014 Gaza War International Criminal court