The Human Development Index (HDI) is a tool that measures the overall development of a country or territory based on three fundamental dimensions: health (measured by life expectancy), education (literacy rate and level of schooling), and standard of living (gross national income per capita). Palestine, whose territory is divided between the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, faces considerable challenges due to the complex geopolitical situation and the consequences of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite these obstacles, Palestine has made some progress in human development in recent decades, although significant inequalities remain.
1. Evolution of the HDI in Palestine
Palestine’s HDI is in the category of countries with medium human development. This ranking reflects a situation marked by relatively stable growth in some areas, but also by large internal disparities, particularly between Gaza and the West Bank. Palestine has made notable progress in the education and health sectors, but economic and social conditions remain precarious due to the Israeli occupation and blockade of Gaza, which hinder freedom of movement, access to natural resources and the development of modern infrastructure.
While Palestine has made progress in areas such as life expectancy and literacy, it faces major structural, political and economic challenges, in particular dependence on international aid and restrictions imposed by the occupation. Economic growth has been hampered by unstable political conditions and restrictions on trade and mobility, particularly in Gaza.
2. Education in Palestine
Education in Palestine has seen significant improvements, with high enrolment rates and a relatively well-developed education system. Access to primary and secondary education is largely guaranteed in urban areas of the West Bank, although challenges exist in rural areas and under Israeli occupation, where schools can be more difficult to access due to military checkpoints and restrictions on movement.
The literacy rate in Palestine is high, reaching approximately 98% in urban areas. Access to education for girls has also improved, with women increasingly participating in higher education. However, higher education faces significant challenges, including a lack of funding and a shortage of jobs for graduates, particularly in Gaza, where employment prospects are extremely limited.
The Palestinian education system also suffers from the effects of war and violence. Schools and universities are sometimes targeted during conflicts, and the geographical isolation of some areas makes access to education more difficult.
3. Health in Palestine
The health situation in Palestine has improved over the years, although challenges remain due to political conditions and limited access to medical resources. Life expectancy in Palestine is relatively high, at around 72 years, with progress in reducing infant mortality and better management of infectious and chronic diseases.
However, health conditions remain fragile, particularly in Gaza, where access to medical care is severely limited due to the blockade imposed by Israel for over 10 years. Hospitals are often under-equipped and lack essential medicines and supplies. The health system also suffers from a shortage of qualified professionals, with medical staff often forced to flee due to difficult working conditions.
Health infrastructure has also been severely damaged during military conflicts, and restrictions on movement complicate access to specialized care, particularly for patients requiring treatment abroad.
4. Palestinian Living Standards and Economy
The Palestinian economy is one of the most vulnerable in the world due to the Israeli occupation, mobility restrictions, and economic blockades. Palestine relies heavily on international aid, particularly to finance its public services and maintain its infrastructure. Gross national income per capita is relatively low compared to other Middle Eastern countries.
Unemployment is high, particularly among youth, women, and university graduates. The unemployment rate in Gaza is one of the highest in the world, with extremely difficult living conditions for the majority of the population. The West Bank has slightly better economic prospects, but growth is limited by Israeli restrictions and difficulties in accessing external markets.
The Palestinian private sector also suffers from Israeli competition and trade restrictions imposed by the occupation. Lack of access to natural resources and modern infrastructure prevents meaningful economic development. In addition, foreign investment is limited due to political instability and lack of guarantees for investors.
5. Social and Political Challenges
The main challenge facing Palestine remains the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Israeli occupation, Israeli settlements in the West Bank and restrictions imposed on Gaza have a devastating impact on the daily lives of the Palestinian population. Movement restrictions, blockades, the construction of walls and dams, and house demolitions have a direct impact on living conditions, access to education, healthcare and employment.
Internal political divisions, particularly between Fatah and Hamas, complicate the situation. The West Bank is governed by the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA), while Gaza is controlled by Hamas. This political division is hampering the effectiveness of government and the implementation of necessary reforms in critical areas such as governance, health, education, and the economy.
Women in Palestine are making strides in education and employment, but they still face significant discrimination and social barriers. Domestic violence and the marginalization of women, particularly in rural areas and under occupation, remain major issues.
Conclusion
Palestine continues to face enormous challenges in human development due to geopolitical conditions and restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation. Despite notable progress in education and health, inequality and difficult living conditions persist. Low living standards, dependence on international aid, economic problems, and a fragile political situation negatively affect the Palestinian HDI.
To improve its HDI, Palestine needs internal political stability, national reconciliation, improved infrastructure, and greater economic openness. An end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the lifting of restrictions imposed by the occupation are essential to ensuring sustainable human development and improving the living conditions of the Palestinian population.
