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The Improved Economic Situation in the Palestinian Authority
(Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs) There was a 5.6% increase in the Palestinian national product during the first quarter of 2009 compared with the corresponding quarter last year, and a 5.4% increase in the second quarter of 2009, compared with the corresponding quarter in 2008. Israel continues to collect and transfer tax monies to the PA on a regular basis. Each month Israel transfers NIS 50 million to Gaza for the salaries of PA employees, and up to $13.5 million for the salaries of UNRWA workers (most of whom are Palestinians). The number of Palestinians employed in Israel increased by 8.4% compared with 2008 and reached 47,161 in September 2009 (working in Israel or in West Bank settlements). About 14% of the Palestinian workforce is employed in Israel or in Israeli businesses in the West Bank.