Overview
This lecture explains the complex system of governance over Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, Jerusalem, and refugee communities, highlighting the roles of the Palestinian Authority, Hamas, Israel, and international organizations.
Key Political Entities and Governance Structure
- The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officially represents Palestinians internationally.
- The Palestinian Authority (PA), led by Fatah, administers parts of the West Bank and was intended to govern Gaza.
- Hamas has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2006, establishing separate political and military structures.
- Due to ongoing conflict, authority over Palestinians is fragmented and contested.
Control of Specific Territories
- Area A (mostly urban, West Bank and Gaza): under nominal Palestinian control; Israel maintains military presence, especially in Gaza post-2023.
- Area B (rural, West Bank): PA manages civil affairs; security shared with Israel.
- Area C (West Bank): Full Israeli control; includes most natural resources and Israeli settlements.
- Since 1967, Israel has maintained control over East Jerusalem, which Palestinians claim as their future capital.
Governance in Jerusalem and Refugee Camps
- East Jerusalem Palestinians are mostly permanent residents under Israeli law, generally stateless.
- The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) administers refugee camps across several countries, providing essential services with varying political influence by Fatah and Hamas.
Functioning of the Palestinian Authority
- The PA operates from Ramallah, mainly controlled by President Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah.
- The PA faces accusations of authoritarianism, corruption, and inefficiency.
- Its security forces coordinate with Israel and are unpopular among Palestinians.
Hamas’s Governance in Gaza
- Hamas runs a separate government in Gaza, imposing a strict interpretation of Islamic law and suppressing dissent.
- Gazan governance is classified as authoritarian with limited freedoms.
Israel’s Control over Palestinian Territories
- Israel controls Area C and, de facto, aspects of Areas A and B; Israeli law applies to settlers, while Palestinians face military courts.
- Israel collects taxes on behalf of the PA but withholds funds due to alleged “terrorism payments.”
- Restrictions on movement, goods, and economic activity heavily impact daily life in both the West Bank and Gaza.
Palestinian Foreign Policy and International Recognition
- The PLO represents Palestinians at the UN with observer status; full membership is opposed by the US and Israel.
- 146 UN countries recognize Palestinian statehood; the PA overshadows the PLO in current diplomatic affairs.
- Gaza’s Hamas government is only recognized by a handful of countries.
Current Challenges
- Deep political division between Fatah (West Bank) and Hamas (Gaza) hinders Palestinian unity.
- The PA lacks legitimacy and faces risk of bankruptcy.
- No clear succession plan exists for aging PA President Abbas, risking instability.
- Unresolved governance questions following recent war raise concerns over future administration in Gaza.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Palestinian Authority (PA) — Interim self-government body for West Bank and intended for Gaza.
- Hamas — Militant Islamist group controlling Gaza since 2006.
- PLO — Palestine Liberation Organization; official international representative of Palestinians.
- Area A/B/C — Administrative divisions of the West Bank per Oslo Accords, defining levels of Palestinian and Israeli control.
- UNRWA — UN agency providing aid and services to Palestinian refugees.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Oslo Accords for detailed understanding of Areas A, B, and C.
- Study recent developments in PA and Hamas leadership.
- Read about the current humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank.