World Bank earmarks $55m for Palestinians 

(MENAFN - Jordan Times) The World Bank said on Saturday that it has earmarked 55 million for Palestinian development this year.

Mariam Sherman, country director for the West Bank and Gaza, said Saturday the money will be used to assist businesses, help graduates and support Palestinian government institutions.

But Sherman said that Israel's system of restrictions on the movement of Palestinian people and goods needs to be eased for real growth to happen.

The World Bank said Israel should also share tax information and make other changes.

Sherman says projections for 2012 show a slowdown in Palestinian growth, mostly because donor aid, used to pump up the Palestinian public spending, is declining.

Israeli officials claim that the restrictions are to ensure security, and that they have eased some measures in recent years.