The results in context

Despite the challenging political, legal and security context of the Palestinian Territories, the Netherlands’ efforts in the field of security and rule of law did lead to relevant results. Through the Sawasya programme, legal awareness among Palestinian citizens improved. An increasing number of people, especially women, gained access to justice and received legal aid. Capacity development combined with diplomatic efforts helped to achieve better co-ordination between justice institutions. However, the independence of the judiciary was under considerable pressure. The Netherlands’ support to civil society watchdogs therefore remained relevant and resulted in critical voices being heard at critical moments. In general, the partnership with human rights organisations helped to support and promote accountability and respect for human rights and international law.

Dutch support in the area of reconciliation helped to bring together several Israelis and Palestinians across the Green Line, in support of building a more conducive environment for peace building efforts. A number of mid-level influentials received high-quality training in negotiation. These interactions continue to be difficult, however, and highly sensitive in the current political climate. For insight into some of the stories behind the people involved in these projects, please visit People to People.

The results in context

Dutch support created better water infrastructure, facilitated steps in water sector reform and increased the capacity of relevant players in the water field. Flow meters and waste-water collection systems installed with our support helped to measure and manage transboundary waste water in different locations in the West Bank. Palestinians who do not currently have access to basic water and energy services gained greater access to clean water through our contribution to large scale infrastructure in Gaza and green water and energy systems in the West Bank.

The Netherlands’ support reinforced the institutional and legal framework for the sector. Our technical support improved service delivery. See also our highlighted project concerning the Water Sector Regulatory Council. Community awareness raising and research created innovative, sector-specific knowledge, technologies and practices, increasing the efficient use of the limited water resources.

As Deputy Chair of the Water Sector Working Group, the Netherlands contributed to better alignment and harmonisation of support. Cross-sector reform, planning, co-ordination and implementation have been identified as gaps to be worked on further.

The Netherlands has successfully stimulated research collaboration. A joint collaborative research project between the Hebrew University and the Al Quds Public Health Society has resulted in better promotion of treated waste water for agricultural purposes. Data retrieved from two new test sample machines indicated potential for policy adjustment.

The results in context

The Netherlands helped Palestinian people to gain access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food; Palestinian farmers put their land to sustainable and economically viable use and agri-businesses have become more competitive. With Dutch support, plant diseases in the West Bank and Gaza were better controlled and prevented. Access to land and water are key issues in the Palestinian agricultural context, which suffers from both external and internal constraints, and this is therefore at the heart of Dutch food security policy in the Palestinian Territories.

With support from the Netherlands, 8,700 people have gained improved access to healthy and diverse food, and 2,865 hectares of farmland have been targeted by Netherlands-supported projects to be put to more sustainable use. Furthermore, the Netherlands has supported the development of multiple laws and policies related to food safety standards, strengthening opportunities for agricultural export as well as ensuring safe food for Palestinians.

The results in context

With support from the Netherlands, Gaza Sky Geeks, the first tech hub in Gaza, is making strong progress in reaching its goals and ambitions. Despite the severe day-to-day conditions that Gazan people face, Gaza Sky Geeks is able to offer its members skills and practical tools to help them find both short-term and long-term employment. Gaza Sky Geeks trains people in IT skills that the employment market demands in both the Palestinian Territories and abroad. Through its Digital Agency, young men and women are connected to clients within and outside the Palestinian Territories. In a context in which movement of people is problematic, enabling young Gazans to be part of global economic activities has strong added value. Put in numbers, this means that Dutch support over the reporting period has helped 44 graduates of the Coding Academy to generate a cumulative income of US$ 96,107. In addition, more than 300 people were trained through the Freelance Academy and these have generated a total cumulative income of more than US$ 719,000. The Gaza Sky Geeks Geexelerator programme supported 10 start-ups, which generated US$ 12,000 in cumulative revenue, and six of these start-ups raised US$ 220,000 in funds.

The Netherlands also made progress in removing obstacles to trade and the movement of goods and people across borders, thus stimulating economic development. With support from the Netherlands, the Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism (GRM) has increased access to construction materials in Gaza, enabling economic activity, especially in the housing sector. Furthermore, with Dutch support to the Office of the Quartet, the movement of people via the Allenby/King Hussein Bridge has dramatically improved. Increased opening hours at this main (and for many only) international gateway has benefited Palestinians across the board.