Nablus: The Business of Occupation

An old soap factory, a modern olive oil plant and two import-export agents struggle to do business in Nablus under the Israeli occupation.

Nablus was until recently the thriving commercial heart of the West Bank, but in the years following the second intifada, which started in 2000, the economy floundered under the weight of tough Israeli controls.

Many businesses were destroyed and the economy plummeted. Although things looked more optimistic with some economic growth in 2009, the realities are that the Israeli occupation continues to control the movement of people and goods, making real sustainable growth almost impossible.

Filmmaker Tom Evans and field producer Ghassan Khader spent a month following two manufacturing businesses in Nablus, an old soap factory and a modern olive oil company, and two import-export agents.

Against the backdrop of land confiscations for illegal Israeli settlements, they are struggling with ongoing conflicts with Israeli military presence in the area, and the frustrations of Israeli customs controls.
26-9-2010