Sida's work in Palestine
The aim of Sida's development cooperation with Palestine is a peaceful and sustainable two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict based on international law. The people of Palestine continue to suffer from the Israeli occupation that has been going on for more than 50 years. One in four Palestinians live below the poverty line and many need humanitarian aid. That is why Sida also conducts humanitarian aid in Palestine.
Sida’s support in Palestine 2021
Important thematic areas in Palestine
Progress has been made
Strenghtened women’s rights
Palestine has acceded to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), but due to opposition among traditional forces in the population and parts of the leadership, it has not yet been applied.
High literacy
Despite a history marked by conflict and political instability with over one million internally displaced persons,1 literacy for all over 14 years was just over 97 per cent in 2019. Almost 100 per cent of primary school students proceed to upper secondary school.2
Better waste management
Garbage is a challenge in Palestine, where almost half of the waste ends up in unhealthy landfills. That is why Palestine has now set up a national committee on hazardous waste and chemicals.3
Challenges remain
The occupation hinders development
The Israeli occupation continues to present the greatest obstacle to Palestine’s development.Two million people in Gaza are prevented from traveling in and out of the area. Imports of such things as hospital equipment, medicine, gas for cooking and petrol are limited, as is access to water and electricity.
High unemployment
Just over 25 percent of Palestinians are out of work, largely due to the occupation. The worst situation is among young women in Gaza, where nine out of ten are unemployed.4
Whidespread corruption
Confidence in authorities and public institutions is low. Six out of ten Palestinians think that corruption has increased. Almost two out of ten have paid bribes in the past year according to a report from 2019.5
Two types of aid in Palestine
In Palestine, Sida implements development cooperation to contribute to long-term development of the country. We also provide humanitarian assistance to save lives and alleviate suffering in emergency situations.
Updated: October 7, 2022