Palestinians Begin Moving Into West Bank's First Planned City After Years of Setbacks

Source: Haaretz

Though Rawabi is still unfinished, its glistening high-rises and shopping centers bring a rare sense of pride and excitement to the territory at a time of growing malaise over a standstill in Mideast peace efforts.

AP - After years of setbacks, Palestinians are proudly starting to move into their first planned city being built in the West Bank — a move that isn't just about real estate but also a symbol of their quest for statehood after nearly 50 years of Israeli military occupation.

Though Rawabi is still unfinished, its glistening high-rises and shopping centers bring a rare sense of pride and excitement to the territory at a time of growing malaise over a standstill in Mideast peace efforts.

Palestinian-American developer Bashar Masri dreamed up Rawabi, which means "hills" in Arabic, back in 2007. But the construction of the city, located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Jerusalem, has repeatedly stalled due to political obstacles. Work only began in 2012.

Perched on a once desolate hilltop, it's the first Palestinian city being built according to a modern urban design plan. The organized layout and modern facilities are in jarring contrast to chaotic Palestinian towns and villages in the area.

Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/1.724943