economic crlsls, but algo as a means of destroylng the productive foundatlons of the Palestlnian economy, weakening lt and ultimately starving the inhabitants and driving tbem away. As nentioned above, many productive enterprises were actually forced to close down, with the result that tbe rate of unemployoent in the occupled territorles rose. This process is affecting large, mediurtr-sized and small enterprisea, as well as independent occupations. This year (1985), for example' tax collectors eere sent to che butchers in l€blus, some of rrhom nere asked lo pay up to $42'0OO in taxes. A doctor whose ftonthly incone was no nore than $500 was present€d with a tax btll of some $9,000 and a small-scale contractor, also from Nab1us, was asked to pay $27,000. A11 of theo Here consequently forced out of busi ness. In the Oabatiya area (Nablus distrlct), the owners of 30 stone-workind enterprlses $ho employed over 180 norkers were forced to close down because the tax department reguested each one of them to pay taxe6 of $36,000 for 1984. II. UnemploYment Given the general weakness of lhe economy in the occupied territories, Iabour has become the naln source of income in the industrlal, agricultural and trade sectors. Indeed, the earnlngs brought into these areas by eorkers employed in Israel or neighbouring Arab countries a@ount for more than 30 per cent of the total local product. This high proportion gives an idea of th€ likely implications of an increase in unenpLoyment j.n these communities and the consequent deterioration of llvinq condltions and means of subsistence. The threat of unemployment casts a dark shador,, over the very existence of the Palestinians llving in the occupied territories. According to official estimates, tbe rate of
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the economic crisis and its impact on the Palestinian economy, employment, and livelihood. It highlights the measures taken by the Israeli occupation to cripple the economy, leading to increased unemployment, poverty, and hardship for the Palestinians. The text also mentions specific examples of businesses and individuals affected by the occupation's policies.

**Category**
Employment, Humanitarian aid and relief