Palestinian election candidate warns West Bank could ‘explode’ unless Israel releases tax funds

Dr. Ahmad Shadid, head of the Al-Finiq list running in Palestinian Legislative Council elections, warned that withheld PA tax revenues and high unemployment could trigger an explosion in the West Bank with regional consequences. He urged the next Israeli government to release the funds, called for international pressure for a two-state solution, and criticized Israel's security concerns as flimsy. The article notes 10,264 attacks against Israelis in the West Bank from 2023-2024, contradicting Shadid's claim of near-zero attacks.

Dr. Ahmad Shadid, head of the Al-Finiq (The Phoenix) list running in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections, warned that withheld PA tax revenues and rising unemployment could trigger an explosion in the West Bank with repercussions for Jordan and the region. In his first interview with Israeli media since his list was announced, Shadid said the primary cause of unemployment is the occupation, which prevents over 250,000 workers from accessing jobs inside Israel and withholds tax revenues. He called for international pressure on Israel to comply with a two-state solution. Shadid sidestepped questions on pay-for-slay payments, insisting the funds belong to the Palestinian people. The article notes that from 2023-2024 there were 10,264 attacks against Israelis in the West Bank, contradicting Shadid's claim of near-zero attacks. Shadid said his list favors negotiations and has a realistic vision aligned with the people's aspirations.