Palestinian Territories

The Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation helps children with learning difficulties to integrate with other children [Paulinus Barnes]

Since the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip by Israel following the 1967 Six-day War, Palestinians have seen their standard of living fall; today, almost three quarters of the population live below the UN poverty line.

Key challenges include:

Loss of land: Israeli authorities frequently confiscate Palestinian land, and deny permission to build homes or roads for agricultural areas.

Human rights violations: parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip are regularly closed off by the Israeli military, denying Palestinians access to hospitals, schools and markets.

Lack of water: Access to water for domestic and agricultural use is much more restricted than in neighbouring Israel, leading to health problems and less productive agriculture.

Poor standards of health: lack of access to adequate health care is a serious problem for Palestinians. Living under curfew and occupation has led to an increase in stress-related illness.

It is estimated that around 40,000 Palestinians need help for physical or mental disabilities, many of which relate to violence suffered as a result of the occupation and intifada (the Palestinian uprising against the occupation).

Refugees and migrant workers: Many Palestinians have had to find work outside the West Bank and Gaza Strip – in Lebanon for example, where their future is no more certain. Palestinians who lost land to Israel in 1948 remain refugees, living in camps in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

section highlights

Activism for peace

Quaker Peace and Social Witness provides volunteers to accompany local Palestinian and Israeli peace activists in their non-violent actions and advocacy efforts to end the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Emergency assistance

Caritas Jerusalem provides emergency assistance to those affected by the conflict.

Supporting disabled people

The Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation (BASR) runs community-based day care centres for disabled people.

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