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from articles in the Palestine Press
by Michelle Cohen08/12/2010 Jerusalem -Palestine Press- According to Israeli sources quoted by Israeli Army Radio, there has been an increase in pay rate in (Judea and Samaria) West Bank during the past five years. Army Radio reported that the unemployment rate has fallen since 2002 by half. As evidenced in Judea and Samaria (West Bank), tourism has increased during the past year, particularly in the city of Bethlehem. Radio quoted sources in the Israeli security services said one of the reasons for improved economic conditions is that Israeli Arabs are buying goods from "Palestinian territories" (Judea and Samaria) during weekends.
08/12/2010 - Gaza - Palestine Press - sign former U.S. official to visit Gaza on Wednesday signals the beginning of the United States Government dialogue with the Hamas "government" in Gaza, despite the American embargo imposed three years ago on any meeting with Hamas "officials."
Former U.S. ambassador to several Arab states, Mark Hambley, said during a meeting with a "government official": "We had the same situation with the PLO and other Arab organisations for almost 10 years before we began "secret talks" with them - low profile talks increased to higher levels, and I expect exactly the same situation with Hamas in the future."
The ambassador expressed his belief that there will be no peace unless Hamas is included in this process, pointing to "improvements" in Hamas' position in recent times.
In addition to Ambassador Hambley, the President of the Center for Study in London, William Morse also met with Haniyeh.
United States officials reiterated that their visit to Gaza is not formal, but are looking for a common ground to bring peace in the Middle East.
American officials met with a number of "officials" of the factions, independent figures and journalists in the framework of the three-day visit to Gaza.
