Since the Al-Aqsa Intifada broke out in late September, the PA's loss of income has risen to NIS 3.4 billion, Or said. The biggest part of this loss comes from the ban on Palestinian workers entering Israel.

The casino in Jericho has lost NIS 247 million in potential income and the loss of Israeli custom in towns along the Green Line--like Tulkarm and Kalkilyah--has cost the PA another NIS 772 million. Finally, tax revenues have declined by about NIS 200 million.

Or said unemployment is at an all-time high of 45%, up from 11% in September--almost every second Palestinian is now jobless. He said the PA has been using the grim economic situation to promote the struggle for a Palestinian state and to solicit funds from the international community.

However, he said, it is using whatever funds it gets from other countries to finance the PA's expenses and the Intifada, rather than in trying to rehabilitate the crumbling economy.

Document: February 2001

Map of Directions for Civilians in the Central Command, "Temporary Order"

TEMPORARILY MORE STRINGENT INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE MOVEMENT OF CIVILIANS IN THE AREA OF JUDEA, SAMARIA AND THE JORDAN VALLEY:

A. In light of the recent events and the many attacks on the roads in Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley, stringent temporary instructions were established for movement on these roads (updated to February 2001).

B. In general, there is free movement on the main roads that are marked in blue on the map, in accordance with the recommendations detailed below, but it is possible that there will be temporary changes as a result of security incidents.

Movement on the passages is in accordance with the instructions of the relevant regional brigade. It is recommended to check the situation on the roads with the civilian emergency centers whose telephone numbers are listed on the map.

C. Entrance into Area A is absolutely prohibited. (Marked in brown on the maps). Blue signs (Photograph No. 1) as well as bright orange stone markers (Photograph No. 2) warning against entry are placed BEFORE the entrances to areas under Palestinian control. In ad- dition, red signs (Photograph No. 3) and brown marking stones (Photograph No. 4) have been placed at the entrance to Area A prohibiting entry into the area beyond them.

If you run into the aforementioned signs or marking stones you should backtrack. At times, the signs and marking stones are removed or turned by various elements and therefore in any case one should verify one's location on the map.

D. It is recommended not even to enter Area B (marked yellow on the map) unless a main road passes through Area B (marked in blue on the map).

E. It is recommended to travel exclusively on the main roads and security bypass roads marked on the map in blue, while paying attention to the direction signs.

Sometimes the direction signs are turned or removed by various elements and therefore in any case one should verify one's location on the map.

F. With the exception of roads within settlements, it is not recommended to travel on the rest of the roads including dirt roads and roads that are not marked on the map.

The crossing of dirt banks or other physical barriers designed to prevent passage on certain roads and passages is prohibited.

G. One should not travel on roads marked in black on the map. One should coordinate travel on roads marked in red on the map with the civilian emergency center whose number is listed on the map.

H. One should avoid all contact or connection with policemen from the Palestinian Police. If police from the Palestinian Police come in contact with you, take note that they are not authorized to stop Israelis.

In unusual circumstances, only in Area A (marked in brown on the map), Palestinian Police are authorized to detain Israelis until the arrival of an Israeli authority. If you find yourself having a problem with police from the Palestinian Police, you should IMMEDIATELY CONTACT the Israeli liaison office or the civilian emergency centers whose telephone numbers are listed on the map.

I. As needed, you can get help from the civilian emergency center, the police, IDF forces, Israeli liaison offices, and the clinics across Judea, Samaria and the Jordan Valley via the telephone numbers appearing on the map.

J. It is recommended to act in accordance with the follow principles:

1. Travel in cars whose windshields are reinforced against rocks and equipped with the "Barak" emergency system.

2. Travel in pairs of cars.

3. Carry personal weapons.

4. Carry a means of communications (at least a portable telephone).

K. With the exception of Israeli settlements and army camps, it is recommended not to take hitchhikers.

Outpost               - 4 -               March 2001