The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been at the centre of world politics for over 60 years. The 1967 war marked the beginning of Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Since then life in the occupied Palestinian territory has been disrupted by Israeli military measures.

Financial instability and dependence on aid

The financial instability and dependence on international aid have grown rapidly. Nearly four out of ten inhabitants between 15-24 years of age are unemployed and many live in poverty.

Some of the most vulnerable groups include children and youth, women, people with disabilities and refugees.

Diakonia’s work in the region therefore concentrates on addressing:

• The lack of peace and security
• Increasing respect for human rights
• Building local democracy
• Eradicating the multidimensional aspects of poverty

The Wall in Abu-Dis, Jerusalem area. Photo: Hanna Lagerlöf

More than 50 partner organizations

Diakonia has established partnerships with around 50 Palestinian and Israeli non-governmental organizations that together cover five thematic areas: Democracy, human rights, social and economic justice, gender equality and peace and reconciliation.

Sub-programmes

Diakonia's work with our partner organizations is divided into sub-programmes: 

• A programme supporting local civil-society actors in their work for democracy
• The regional Rehabilitation Programme which aims at empowering people with disabilities to change structures for inclusion at all levels of society, in Palestine and Jordan.
• A programme working to improve the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

Sahar Maswede comes to Al Saraya Centre to read, draw, listen to music and meet her friends. - I learn something new everyday, says Sahar.