The Impact of Global Financial Crisis on the Palestinian Economy

Abstract

This research looked at the overall impact of the global financial crisis on the Palestinian economy from 2005 to 2021, focusing on two periods: the first from the start of the global crisis in the fall of 2008 to December of that year, and the second from December of that year to the end of that year 2011. The findings of this study show that Palestine's strong reliance on the prices of foodstuffs, oil, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, and food items as a whole has resulted in a rise in the prices of oil and gas, commodities, and foodstuffs as a result of the worldwide crisis. We also discovered that the banking and tourist industries were unaffected by the downturn. The information is given in a series of tables with statistical analysis to back it up. This research backs up this theory with solid empirical data. In terms of Palestinian economic growth, it should be highlighted that for the past two decades, the Palestinian National Authority has relied on foreign donations and grants to fund its expenditures. This revenue source has recently dwindled, resulting in the suspension of public worker salary payments as well as a reduction in overall government spending. Large and persistent trade deficits, on the other hand, continue to push the government and the private sector into unsustainable debt. Because there is no national currency in Palestine, both the governmental and commercial sectors rely on foreign reserves. Although the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and the Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA) have so far avoided a systemic currency crisis, existing deficit financing patterns are unlikely to last permanently, since domestic foreign reserves are fast diminishing and arrears mount. The amount of debt owed is increasing at an alarming rate. This leaves the administration with two alternatives for funding the deficit: either selling debt instruments on the capital markets or using the Palestinian Monetary Authority to introduce Palestinian currency to cover expenditures. Capital market financing without monetary authority, according to the study, leads to large interest rate volatility and financial instability. Given terms of monetary finance, in the existing institutional and economic framework, there are no criteria for creating a national currency.