Thank you Madam Co-Chair,
Mining in Palestine is an important contributor to the GDP and is an important source of
investment and job creation. The main mining activity in Palestine is in Quarries that
represent one of the most important natural resource in the country. However, like all
other development sectors, the policies and practices of the occupation have impeded
Palestinians from developing the mining industry in Palestine, as they watch while the
occupying Power exploits and benefits from these quarries illegally. In many cases,
individual developers are barred from reaching their mines by the occupation forces, thus
imposing added financial burdens on them. Another way of chocking the life out of this
important industry, which represents a source of income for hundreds of families, is the
occupation authorities? destruction of established mines to make way for waste dumping
ground for the illegal settlements. And while occupation authorities confiscate Palestinian
mines, deny Palestinians the right to properly exploit their resources, and change others
into garbage dumps for illegal settlements, the occupation illegally exploits and benefits
from this valuable yet limited resource. For decades, Israeli occupation
has illegally established several quarries across the Occupied West Bank. This illegal
exploitation of Palestinian resources also impacts the environment and health of
Palestinians as most of these illegal quarries are adjacent to residential areas and agrarian
lands. Finally, let me note that, with the unique reality of occupation having such a severe
impact on this vital sector, we believe it is imperative that the CSD attach due attention to
it.
Thank you Madam Co-Chair
