Context

The Palestinian Territories (PT) face great political and economic challenges. The two-state solution has arrived at a deadlock. Both sides have taken steps that make a solution more difficult. Palestinian division has deepened and Israel (ISR) has continued to expand its settlements. The number of demolitions in Area C and East-Jerusalem is growing. These developments are hindering political and economic development in the PT. The Netherlands (NL) wants to contribute to the Middle East peace process, help build a Palestinian state and mobilise socio-economic development. Within the PT, NL focuses on water, food security, rule of law and security. It has a good relationship with the PT, as well as with ISR. The NL uses this leverage to its fullest to bring the two-state solution closer, among other methods through trilateral (ISR-PAL-NL) meetings on water, energy and crossings.

Featured project

Land and Water Resource Management programme (LWRM) in the Palestinian Territories

Land and Water Resource Management programme (LWRM) in the Palestinian Territories

The Land and Water Resource Management programme (LWRM), implemented by several Palestinian NGOs, focuses on access to land and water resources in the West Bank. In Qusra, farmland was targeted by the army and settlers. With the assistance of LWRM, 150 dunums were rehabilitated and a collective rainwater harvesting system was established. In Izbet Jaloud, the main challenges were high costs and poor access to water for irrigation. LWRM has installed the necessary equipment, leading to reduced costs and increased access. These actions have resulted in an increase in the number of residents reclaiming and cultivating their land.

Key results of the embassy in Palestinian Territories

Food & Nutrition Security

Indicator Score Progress

Productivity per hectare of land supported by the Netherlands Representative Office (NRO)

149.58 tons On track
149.58 tons
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

Production in donor-supported areas is increasing but relies strongly on the donor support. In 2016, there has been a significant increase in production but a decline in economic value. The risks in the sector remain high, such as limited access to water, land and markets, the threat of demolition and/or confiscation and an unfair marketing system.

Permanent workers in the agricultural sector through NRO-funded programmes

6,550 On track
6,550
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

There has been an increase in the number of jobs created and filled within the agricultural sector. However, this trend is strongly related to the increase in production, which is heavily reliant on donor support. The same risks are present: limited access to water, land and markets, threat of demolition and/or confiscation and an unfair marketing system

Water

Indicator Score Progress

Number of people reached with sustainable access to and use of improved water source facilities in Gaza

1.8 million On track
Number of people reached
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

The NRO programmes in Gaza help to restore water services - not only by upgrading infrastructure and providing disinfectants, but also by raising the capacity of the utilities. However, import restrictions on materials, destruction of water infrastructure and overuse of the coastal aquifer continue to contribute to the dramatic situation in Gaza.

Number of Dutch water knowledge institutions active in the local water sector

7 On track
7
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

Dutch institutions continue to be involved in a number of research initiatives that are helping to develop strong higher education water programmes in Palestine. In 2016, the Palestinian-Dutch academic consortium improved collaboration between the various water sector institutions and created an opportunity for better engagement of Dutch institutions in the future.

Security & Rule of Law

Indicator Score Progress

Number of beneficiaries of legal awareness-raising activities (disaggregated by West Bank/Gaza)

10,169 On track
Number of beneficiaries - by sex
Number of beneficiaries - by region
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

Legal awareness sessions included legal topics, targeting juveniles, women and labourers, among others. Increased awareness results in more complaints, which, in turn, lead to more verdicts and – if the right to a fair trial is adhered to – contributes to public confidence in the judicial system. Building confidence in a national judicial system under occupation is difficult.

% of beneficiaries satisfied with legal aid services (score: satisfied and very satisfied combined) (disaggregated by sex)

97.4 On track
97.4% (of which 97.7% female)
Interpretation of the Embassy results in the context

The types of case dealt with vary significantly in their context and jurisdiction. In a country that is divided and under occupation, and with effectively three different judicial systems, it is difficult to provide legal aid services to beneficiaries. Nonetheless, the satisfaction rate of people provided with legal aid services in 2016 is (very) high.

Background & future

Interpretation of the results in context

The NRO programmes have booked successes but have also experienced hitches. Ongoing challenges faced by the food security sector are limited access to water, land and markets, threat of demolition and/or confiscation, and an unfair marketing system. Despite these obstacles, the NRO has succeeded in carrying out further work in Area C. This was one of the higher goals for the sector. As for the water sector, import restrictions on materials (in Gaza), the destruction of water infrastructure and overuse of the coastal aquifer continue to counteract programmes. Interventions in the Rule of Law sector continue to be successful on a service-provider level and in terms of effectiveness scores. However, for essential reforms to take place, stronger national and international engagement is needed on a political level. Although the NRO has achieved some remarkable results, the increasingly difficult environment in which it must work has led to differences between planned and achieved results in 2016.

Glimpse into the future

As a result of the Israeli occupation and the absence of a two-state solution on the political horizon, geographical fragmentation in the Palestinian Territories is increasing. The split between Fatah and Hamas is widening and democratic space is diminishing. The independence of the judiciary is under serious threat from increased control by the executive (and the security apparatus). Working with civil society is becoming increasingly difficult, due to growing pressure on civil society organisations in the PT and Israel. Financial support to the PT is declining, resulting in a growing budget deficit. The scope of the Dutch programmes is broad and needs to become more focused. Over the coming months, the NRO will start to formulate a possible future programme, identifying potential priority areas and interventions in which NL has a specific niche, expertise and/or added value.

Financial summary

Total expenditure Embassy € 17,350,881

Expenditure 2016 per theme

Expenditure 2016 per channel

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Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands | Directorate-General for International Cooperation
P.O. Box 20061 | 2500 EB The Hague | www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/ontwikkelingssamenwerking
© Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands | September 2017