The industrial zone that will be established on 272 acres of land next to the Palestinian city of Jenin will create 15,000 jobs in the PA and will also strengthen Turkey's standing in the region.
Turkey has invested $10 million into the construction of an industrial zone next to the West Bank city of Jenin, a move considered rare for Ankara who usually invests in projects located in the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.
According to reports, the industrial park will occupy 272 acres of land and feature a number of food and textile factories as well as several auto repair shops. It is expected to provide Palestinians with up to 15,000 jobs.
The Palestinians have already thanked the Turkish government for going ahead with the project. The latter was first initiated in 1999, but construction has been stalled since then.
No Reason to Worry
On the other hand, Israel, who has become sensitive to Turkey's activities in the region, typically eyes such projects with suspicion.
Relations between the two countries began to head south following the notorious 2010 Mavi Marmara incident when Turkish activists attempted to break the Israeli naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, a move that was regarded by israel as violation of its security.
Tel Aviv is also displeased by the assistance Ankara has been giving Hamas, an Islamic group deemed a terrorist organisation by Israel, and with Turkey's continual operations in East Jerusalem, where it also funds a number of construction projects.
But Dr…
