Question

For much of the past century, the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has
been a defining feature of the Middle East. Despite billions of dollars expended to
support, oppose, or seek to resolve it, the conflict has endured for decades, with
periodic violent eruptions, of which the Israel-Gaza confrontation in the summer of
2014 is only the most recent.
This executive summary highlights findings from a study by a team of RAND
researchers that estimates the net costs and benefits over the next ten years of five
alternative trajectories — a two-state solution, coordinated unilateral withdrawal,
uncoordinated unilateral withdrawal, nonviolent resistance, and violent uprising —
compared with the costs and benefits of a continuing impasse that evolves in
accordance with present trends. The analysis focuses on economic costs related to
the conflict, including the economic costs of security. In addition, intangible costs
are briefly examined, and the costs of each scenario to the international community
have been calculated.
The economy of the Palestinian Territory was a viable and thriving one before the
occupation in June 1967. It generated significant production and income that
sustained a growing population of 1 million people and generated a gross domestic
product (GDP) per capita of about $1,349 in 2004 prices, which was sufficient for it
to be considered a lower-middle-income economy at that time. Tragically, it has
become a land on the verge of economic and humanitarian collapse.
In 2014, the GDP growth rate in the Palestinian Territory turned negative, for the
first time since 2006. The Gaza Strip is becoming increasingly unliveable and could
become totally unliveable by 2020. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of
Statistics, the unemployment rate in Gaza was 45 per cent in 2014, with over 63
per cent of Gaza’s young people unemployed, which is the highest rate in the world.
Female unemployment in the Palestinian Territory was around 40 per cent and
more than 60 per cent in Gaza. Nearly 40 per cent of Palestinians live below the
poverty line. Clean water is a rarity, with at least 90 per cent of Gaza’s water supply
unfit for human consumption. Electricity in Gaza is also sporadic and unreliable,
available only four to six hours a day, and a properly functioning sewage treatment
system no longer exists.
Seven key findings were identified (1): A two-state solution provides by far the best
economic outcomes for both Israelis and Palestinians. Israelis would gain over two
times more than the Palestinians in absolute terms — $123 billion versus $50
billion over ten years. But the Palestinians would gain more proportionately, with
average per capita income increasing by approximately 36 percent over what it
would have been in 2024, versus 5 percent for the average Israeli. A return to
violence would have profoundly negative economic consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis; per capita gross domestic product would fall by 46
percent in the West Bank and Gaza and by 10 percent in Israel by 2024. In most
scenarios, the value of economic opportunities gained or lost by both parties is
much larger than expected changes in direct costs. Unilateral withdrawal by Israel
from the West Bank would impose large economic costs on Israelis unless the
international community shoulders a substantial portion of the costs of relocating
settlers. Intangible factors, such as each party's security and sovereignty
aspirations, are critical considerations in understanding and resolving the impasse.
Taking advantage of the economic opportunities of a two-state solution would
require substantial investments from the public and private sectors of the
international community and from both parties.

9. What was the approximate gross domestic production (in RS.) in year 2004? (1$ =
73.25 INR)
(a) 877078.50 (b) 988142.5 (c) 978650.25 (d) 967892.5
10.The total population of the Palestinian Territory increased by 20% over a decade
from 2004, out of which 75% of the people lived in Gaza. Also, if 60% of Gaza’s
population is considered to be young then the total number of persons who are not
young but are still unemployed are: (Consider all the people who live outside Gaza
as employed)
(a) 65000
(b) 64000
(c) 64800
(d) None of these

Answer 1

Ans.9. Per capital GDP of Palestine in 2004 = $1,349

Population = 1 million people

So, total GDP = Per capita GDP * Population

Total GDP = $1,349 * 1 million

= $1,349 million

If $1 = INR 73.25,

Total GDP in INR = $1,349 million * 73.25

= INR 98814.25 million

= INR 988142.5 lakhs

Therefore, correct option is option B.

Ans.10.

Total population of the Palestinian territory in 2004 = 1 million or 1,000,000 people

Increase over the decade = 20% * 1,000,000 = 200,000 people

Out of this, 75% lived in Gaza = 75% * 200,000 = 150,000 people

Young population of Gaza = 150,000 * 60% = 90,000 people

Also, from the case 63% of Gaza’s youth is unemployed

So, young and unemployed in Gaza = 90,000 * 63% = 56,700 people

Therefore, correct answer is D. None of these