What Area Does the Palestinian Authority Control?
The Palestinian Authority (PA) is an administrative body established in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with varying degrees of control over different areas. The PA was formed in 1994 as part of the Oslo Accords, which aimed to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and establish a two-state solution. However, the authority’s control over the region remains complex and is often a source of contention between Israel and the Palestinian population. This article will explore the areas under the Palestinian Authority’s control and the challenges it faces in maintaining governance.
The West Bank is the largest area under the Palestinian Authority’s control, accounting for approximately 58% of the West Bank’s total area. The PA exercises varying degrees of control over the West Bank, which is divided into three categories: Area A, Area B, and Area C.
Area A is fully under the Palestinian Authority’s civil and security control. This includes the major cities of Ramallah, Bethlehem, Nablus, and Jericho. In Area A, the PA administers its own police forces, justice system, and civil services. The Palestinian Authority also has the authority to build infrastructure, such as roads and schools, and to develop economic projects.
Area B, which constitutes about 18% of the West Bank, is under the Palestinian Authority’s civil control, but Israeli security forces maintain military control. This area includes cities like Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarem. The PA is responsible for civilian matters, while Israeli forces manage security issues. This dual control can lead to tension and inefficiencies in governance.
Area C, covering the remaining 24% of the West Bank, is under full Israeli control. This area includes many of the West Bank’s natural resources, such as water and arable land, and is home to numerous Israeli settlements. The PA has limited authority in Area C, mainly focusing on providing basic services to the Palestinian population.
In the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Authority has significant control over civil matters, including health, education, and social services. However, the Strip is governed by the Islamist movement Hamas, which took control in 2007. The Israeli-Egyptian blockade of Gaza has limited the PA’s ability to exercise full authority over the territory.
Despite its limited control over various areas, the Palestinian Authority faces numerous challenges in maintaining governance. The Israeli occupation, security threats, and economic constraints have hindered the PA’s ability to provide essential services and promote development. The lack of sovereignty over its territory has also prevented the PA from engaging in international trade and diplomacy effectively.
Moreover, the PA’s political and economic dependence on foreign aid, primarily from Western countries and Arab states, has raised concerns about its long-term sustainability. The PA’s struggle to assert its authority over the entire West Bank and Gaza Strip is further complicated by the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the failure to reach a comprehensive peace agreement.
In conclusion, the Palestinian Authority controls various areas in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with varying degrees of authority. The PA faces numerous challenges in maintaining governance, including the Israeli occupation, security threats, and economic constraints. The ultimate goal of the Palestinian Authority is to achieve full sovereignty over the entire territory, which remains a distant prospect in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.