Bethlehem/PNN/

Despite the existence of diplomatic relations with some Arab countries and signed agreements, Israel continues to restrict travel from those countries to Palestine, today said a report by the Negotiations Affairs Department of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

“Israel continues to restrict travel to Palestine, even from countries with diplomatic relations with Israel, such as Egypt and Jordan. Citizens of these countries are not treated like those of other countries with diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv. Such restrictions are part of the Israeli occupation's efforts to isolate the land and people of Palestine from the rest of the world, not only by separating families but also by making it difficult for Palestine to connect with the Arab world,” said the report.

“It is essential to note that Israel, as the occupying Power, does not have sovereignty over any inch of the occupied territory of Palestine. Therefore, the international community must reject any attempts by the Israeli occupation to limit the contact of Palestine with the rest of the world,” it said.

According to the report, following the signing of the Oslo Interim Agreement of 1993 between the PLO and Israel, the Declaration of Principles, which established the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), the development of tourism was considered a critical component in building institutions for the State of Palestine. The agreement clearly outlines that the PNA can issue visitor permits for individuals from countries that lack diplomatic relations with the occupying Power, Israel. These permits may be granted for three months up to one year, depending on the case and after clearance from the occupying Power, and could include investors, students, and others.

However, it added, Israel disregarded over the years the terms of this agreement and obstructed visitation even from Arab countries that have diplomatic relations with it.

“One of the primary drivers of Palestine's economy is religious tourism, which is deeply rooted in its cultural and religious heritage. For centuries, pilgrims from various faiths have visited Palestine to connect with their spiritual roots. Despite the enormous potential of religious tourism in Palestine, the industry has undergone significant changes since Palestine's Nakba of 1948, primarily due to the illegal policies of the Israeli occupation. These policies have resulted in the fragmentation of Palestine's land and the isolation of Palestinians in exile and the Arab world, leading to a shift in patterns of religious tourism,” said the PLO’s report.

“To unlock the full potential of Palestine's tourism industry, it is crucial to establish connections with the Arab world while respecting the region's rich history of pilgrimage,” it added.

“Despite the ongoing oppression of the Israeli occupation, it is essential to maintain a vision of an independent and flourishing tourism industry that celebrates the cultural and religious heritage of Palestine and the wider Arab world. Crucially, restoring religious pilgrimage from the Arab world is vital to achieving this vision in line with Palestine's national and cultural identity,” concluded the report.