Occupied Palestinian Territory

Protection Issues

Across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), the protection crisis is driven by a lack of respect for international humanitarian and human rights law, lack of accountability and shrinking civic space, which exacerbates both the severity of risks and multitude of needs. Physical and administrative measures put in place by Israel throughout the oPt, continue to restrict Palestinian movement, undermine access to basic services, as well as hinder the ability of protection organizations to provide support.

In Gaza, the crisis is marked by a military blockade since 2008, affecting all aspects of life, violations of international law by both Israel and Gaza de facto authorities, unresolved internal Palestinian political divisions and recurrent hostilities between Israel and Palestinian armed groups, notably four major escalations in 14 years.

In the West Bank including East Jerusalem, the situation is characterized by more than 55 years of Israeli military occupation, recurrent spikes in violence and use of force by Israeli Forces, settler violence and intra-Palestinian violence. A coercive environment driven by a number of factors including polices, practices and administrative measures being implemented by Israel, intensified by continued presence, expansion and impact of Israeli settlements, places Palestinians at risk of forcible transfer and forces vulnerable households to an increased reliance on negative coping strategies.