Transactions in Land Temporarily Halted in Palestine to Protect the Peasantry Against Foreclosure on their Lands

World War I leaves Palestine in economic ruin and administrative chaos. Peasants had mortgaged lands or put them up as collateral for cash to buy their way out of military service. To prevent foreclosures, the occupying British administration closes the land market to all transactions. Due to pressure from Arab landowners wishing to raise capital for personal interests, it is opened again in October 1920.