The Significance of Civil Administration in the Occupied Territories: Beyond Immediate Needs

The civil administration in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip has evolved from its original purpose of addressing immediate needs to a more permanent system of governance over the local population. Despite this evolution, the administration’s effectiveness has been hindered by numerous challenges.

Justice and Governance

Local courts in the occupied territories have limited means to execute court decisions and judgments, weakening the legal framework governing contractual dealings. This has had a significant impact on economic development, as businesses are forced to operate outside of the law.

• The lack of a national central authority has further compounded the problem, limiting government’s ability to provide services to a growing population and mobilize resources for development.
• Dr. Ali al-Husseini, a leading economist in the occupied territories, notes that “the absence of a national central authority has deprived the local population from effectively participating in policy-making and implementation.”

Economic Performance

Since 1967, Israeli occupation has brought about radical changes to the economy of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The annexation of Jerusalem, the adoption of the “open bridges” policy with Jordan, and selective opening of borders between Israel and the territories have all had significant impacts on the local economy.

• Agriculture has been particularly affected by Israeli policies, including expropriation of land, restrictions on crop types and quantities, and control over water resources.
• Industry has also suffered, as small-scale industries have been transformed into ancillary industries catering to Israeli needs through subcontracting arrangements.
• The closure of banks and financial institutions prior to occupation, as well as discriminatory lending practices by Israeli banks, has deprived the territories’ economy of its prime source of finance.

Consequences

The lack of indigenous institutions capable of addressing these challenges has only exacerbated the problem. The economy of the occupied territories is characterized by:

• High fragmentation
• Distortion in output and income structures
• A widening gap between domestic and national output

Dr. al-Husseini notes that “the economy of the occupied territories is in dire need of urgent support to create an administrative structure with capabilities at various levels aimed at providing usual government services and meeting the administrative needs of development efforts.”

Conclusion

Without a comprehensive overhaul of the civil administration and economic policies, the occupied territories will continue to struggle to achieve sustainable development and self-sufficiency.