Palestinian Territory Country Report

The Palestinian Territories are a group of contested and semi-autonomous areas consisting of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, which by many accounts includes East Jerusalem. The areas are viewed by the international community as the groundwork for a sovereign Palestinian state. However, ongoing instability due to political divisions among Palestinian factions and disagreements with Israel have prevented successful negotiations for complete autonomy.

The overall stability of the Palestinian Territories varies by region. On Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza-based militants launched a coordinated attack against Israel. Since then, Israel launched an air and ground operation into the Gaza Strip and implemented a full siege of the territory. All points of entry into Gaza are heavily restricted to humanitarian aid. Critical infrastructure has been severely damaged. Movements in and out of the West Bank have also been heavily restricted. Security operations are also occurring in the West Bank. The daily life and economy of East Jerusalem are more integrated into the Israeli economy, facing fewer restrictions than the other Palestinian areas.

Unrest, rioting, and militant attacks in response to unpopular policies related to the Israel-Palestine conflict occur frequently. Water and electricity provision in the Palestinian Territories is sporadic and subject to Israeli oversight. Roadways are the only viable means of travel in the territories and vary in their levels of maintenance.

On Oct.7, 2023, Palestinian militants, led by Hamas, launched a coordinated air, ground, and maritime attack from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel. This prompted a massive military reaction from Israel, including air and ground operations into the Strip. The territory is under siege, with all entrance points under heavy surveillance. Critical infrastructure, including roads, sewage, and power grids, have been damaged. Armed combat between Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Gaza-based militants are occurring daily throughout the territory. Gaza-based militants continue to launch rocket attacks into southern Israel. Israel has ordered the evacuation of Northern Gaza, and most civilians have found temporary refuge in Rafah, at the border with Egypt.

Security operations are also occurring in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Movement between the West Bank and Israel is heavily restricted. Communal violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians is increasing. Lone-wolf militant attacks in the West Bank and East Jerusalem periodically target Israeli security forces and settlers. Protests are common in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem and frequently escalate into violence. Rallies often mark significant dates, and crackdowns by Israeli security forces can be deadly.

There are no operational airports in the Palestinian Territories, and Israeli security forces control all borders.

Road quality varies in the West Bank but is generally of a lower standard than in Israel. Gaza's road system is small and deteriorating and littered with checkpoints. Critical infrastructures, including roads, sewage, and electricity grid, have been severely damaged during the Israel siege of Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023.

The Port of Gaza is a small port near the Rimal district of Gaza City. It is the home port of Palestinian fishing boats. It has been severely damaged since October 2023.

Utility provisions vary and may be poor in more rural areas. Power outages are common.

Cybercrime and cyberattacks are a growing concern in the Palestinian Territories.

Unexploded ordnance (UXO) is present in the Palestinian Territories. Minefields are not typically fenced or clearly marked. Sand and dust storms may occur during the summer months between July and August. Flash flooding can occur after heavy rain in spring, particularly in urban areas of the West Bank.

Medical facilities in the Palestinian Territories are below Western standards, with Gaza reporting limited healthcare services and resources. Serious illness or accidents will require medical evacuation out of the territory, most likely to Israel. Pharmacies are present in major urban centers but may be lacking in more rural areas. Tap water is not safe to drink.

The political situation is factionalised, with different groups controlling the West Bank and Gaza. Attempts at a unity deal, signed in October 2017 and aimed at uniting the Fatah and Hamas factions, have faced numerous setbacks. Both territories suffer from political instability due to ongoing conflict amongst themselves, and with Israel.

Corruption is a problem in the West Bank and Gaza. Law and order and other security functions in the Palestinian Territories are split between Israeli and PNA security forces into various regions of the West Bank and Hamas police forces in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian police forces are notorious for human rights abuses and corruption. The US, EU, UK, and UN list a number of groups in the Palestinian Territories as terrorist organizations and subject them to restrictive measures, including sanctions.