It Would Take Three Years for Palestinian Economy to Recover

RAMALLAH, West Bank: Representatives from the World Bank and the United Nations say Israel's offensive into Palestinian territories could destroy the Palestinian economy. Nigel Roberts, the World Bank director for the West Bank and Gaza, denounced curfews and closures that restrict civilians freedom of movement.

Roberts said Israeli closure of the Palestinian territories has produced a 30 percent unemployment rate and a 50 percent poverty rate. He said it would take three years for the Palestinian economy to recover if the closures were lifted tomorrow.