Established in 1994, the Swiss Cooperation Office Gaza and West Bank is contributing since almost three decades to the social and economic development in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The promotion of inclusive dialogue, human rights and respect for international humanitarian law to reduce the negative effects of the occupation and the internal Palestinian division is a central concern of its engagement.

The Cooperation Programme for the oPt 2021-2024 sets out the strategic priorities for the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) for the coming years.

The Programme combines bi- and multilateral engagements in the field of peace promotion, development and humanitarian aid. The overall goal is to foster the resilience of the population and to enhance the prospects for a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The annual budget of 40 Mio Swiss francs includes a substantive contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and other international humanitarian actors such as the ICRC, WHO and OCHA.