Palestinian Authority bans work in settlements

Palestinians must stop working in Jewish settlements by next year, a Palestinian cabinet minister said on Tuesday, as part of a campaign to halt their expansion on occupied land Palestinians want for a state.

Economic Minister Hassan Abu Libdeh, disclosing further details of a new Palestinian law aimed at severing commercial ties with the settlements, said Palestinians violating the ban could face up to five years in jail and fines of up to $14,000. (Reuters)