Area C Essential Services Programme

Area C comprises approximately 60% of the West Bank and is home to approximately 180,000–300,000 Palestinians living in over 500 communities facing significant challenges. Limited planning and building rights, restricted access to land and resources, settlement expansion, settler violence, and frequent demolitions undermine livelihoods, reduce access to essential services, and increase the risk of displacement. These challenges are compounded by the Palestinian Authority’s limited authority and access in Area C, as well as financial and institutional constraints affecting Local Government Units, including weak revenue collection, delayed transfers, and limited administrative capacity. 

Area C remains under Israeli military civil and security control. While Israel, as the occupying power, bears responsibilities under international law, including to ensure public order and civil life, the planning and zoning regime constrains Palestinian development. However, between 2016 and 2021, less than one per cent of Palestinian building permit applications were approved, limiting the development and maintenance of essential infrastructure and basic services, including water and electricity networks, roads, and schools.

Despite persistent structural constraints, international support has helped maintain essential infrastructure and services in different Palestinian communities in Area C. Nevertheless, significant gaps remain, and many communities continue to face limited access to basic services and infrastructure, constraining socio-economic development.

Primary Target Group: Palestinians living in Area C of the West Bank, estimated at 180,000–300,000 people residing in approximately 540 communities (of which around 283 are located entirely or mostly in Area C), including women and girls, persons with disabilities, Bedouin communities, and other highly vulnerable households. 
Institutional Target Group: Local government units.

Indirect Beneficiaries: Broader Palestinian population in the West Bank through improved geocluster linkages between Areas A, B, and C.

Expected results:  

Output 3: Improved access to essential social and public infrastructure services in Area C, accessible to all;

Output 4: Strengthened capacity of Local Government Units to engage in inclusive and accountable governance processes.

Results from previous phases:   N/A