The challenges and opportunities of green financing in Palestine from the perspective of banks

Saleem Khoffash; Bahaa Subhi Awwad

doi:10.24294/jipd.v8i12.8800

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The challenges and opportunities of green financing in Palestine from the perspective of banks

Saleem Khoffash

Bahaa Subhi Awwad

Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development 2024, 8(12), 8800; https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd.v8i12.8800

Submitted：26 Aug 2024

Accepted：06 Sept 2024

Published：01 Nov 2024

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Abstract

The study aimed to demonstrate that Palestinian banks have the potential to increase green financing by enhancing public sector understanding instead of focusing solely on the private sector, in addition to providing insights from employees of Palestinian banks listed on the Palestine Stock Exchange regarding the key challenges and opportunities related to green financing in Palestine specifically. It posed two central questions: What are the opportunities and challenges in implementing green finance in Palestine, and what level of government and private sector support exists? The study used the descriptive analytical approach, through interviews and surveys, the study targeted 10 heads of credit departments and a non-probability sample of 350 bank employees. The findings revealed a strong commitment from the government to promote green finance. At the same time, the private sector showed reluctance to engage in external investments. Key challenges included political instability and limited financial resources, though international aid was a significant opportunity to advance green finance. The study recommended increasing public awareness and fostering stronger coordination between the government and private sector, possibly incorporating competition from neighboring countries to further develop Palestine’s green finance strategy.

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References

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