Oxfam's work in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel in depth

Oxfam is working with the most vulnerable communities in the occupied Palestinian territories to enable them to live with dignity, security, and with their rights upheld. We are also working with civil society organisations in Israel to raise awareness in Israeli society about the cost and impact of the conflict.

Oxfam in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel

The crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories is depriving ordinary people of their basic rights. Many communities do not have amenities such as a water supply, and minority groups are marginalised and denied the same rights as other citizens.

We are working with communities across the West Bank and Gaza to provide a reliable supply of clean water and food. And we are helping Bedouin Arabs and other minority peoples to secure their rights. We train women and young people in Palestine in ways to resolve conflict, and at the same time, in Israel, we are promoting a change in public opinion to support a just peace for all.

Water, sanitation and public health

Communities in the crowded West Bank and Gaza face the daily problem of an unreliable supply of clean water and often have to resort to collecting polluted water instead, putting their health at risk.

Oxfam is working with more than 67,000 people in Palestinian communities who are most affected by the conflict, especially those who live near The Wall, to improve the supply of water by repairing water systems and building water storage tanks as well as providing sanitation systems.

This work is carried out alongside public health promotion activities, with Palestinian women particularly involved because they are normally responsible for managing water in the home.

In our latest programme cycle, Oxfam's Public Health team, with the financial support of the Humanitarian Aid Department of the European Commission (ECHO), will be working intensively in the Jordan Valley. There, three locations will benefit from the rehabilitation and installation of the new domestic and agricultural pipelines, separate water networks to improve overall water quality monitoring and hygiene, and a new reservoir to store water.

One location in the Jordan Valley poses an additional challenge for our team and partners, because it is in an area where the Israeli government says permanent infrastructures cannot be build without special permits granted by the Israeli authorities who are in control of the West Bank. With a population of 6,000 people, Jiftlik lacks everything; from water to electricity to social services and education. Because the building permits are so difficult to obtain, most houses are illegally built and are under constant threat of demolition from Israeli authorities. Farmers are also forced to buy their water from private tankers, who charge high rates for a water of poor quality, hence increasing the economic burden on vulnerable groups.

Similar challenges are also being faced in Bardala, another Area C location.

We used to get water only every other day. When we had water we would run around for hours filling up pots and pans for the family and for the livestock. Now, thanks to Oxfam, we have access to a reliable source of water and we pay much less for it! My family is happier, and so are the animals!

Hayat Drobee, mother of four, Shufee village, West Bank

Food security and livelihoods

In recent years, the economy in the occupied Palestinian territories has shrunk considerably due to the lack of free access to markets, physical obstacles, import-export restrictions and massive job losses for those who used to work regularly in Israel. This has directly affected the livelihood of the local population, and farmers are no exception. Whilst, in some cases, agricultural techniques are relatively advanced compared to other countries, farmers still need to be supported.

We are encouraging the formation of producer associations and co-operatives that support whole Palestinian communities. In particular, we work with women-headed households, as they tend to be among the most vulnerable group. Border closures, movement restrictions and The Wall have increased the difficulty that many Palestinian families face simply to feed themselves.

To ease the problem, Oxfam has provided rabbits, goats and beehives to some of the poorest families, and helped them to start growing vegetables. We also try to find alternative livelihoods for Bedouin communities who are loosing their freedom to move around with their herds.

As markets are more difficult to access, Oxfam is helping farmers to obtain Fair Trade accreditation for their products, so that they can reach new markets around the world.

Empowering Civil Society

Our work with Civil Society organisations in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel aims to strengthen the voice of men and women who fight poverty and suffering as a precondition for a more equitable and safe society.

In the West Bank, Oxfam works with local organisations focusing on women and youth to create a safe space for people to access basic services such as health and education and to become active citizens contributing to the life of the community.

In Israel, we collaborate with community-based organisations to address human rights, strengthening the voice of poor communities and promoting initiatives to lead to equitable treatment by the Israeli government. In the Negev, Bedouin communities continue to live in poverty, with their access to basic services, such as health and education severely restricted by Israeli government policy. Oxfam works to reverse this with the financial support of the European Commission.

Our work with local organisations strives to enable communities to have a better access and a stronger voice to influence the decision making process.

Protection for Peace

The protection of civilians cannot wait for a political solution. Steps should be taken now to ensure that their lives are protected under international humanitarian law. With protection in place, society will become stronger and, Oxfam believes, a peace process will gain popular and effective support. Until then, people are living in desperate circumstances.

Last updated: August 08