Palestinian Territories
About Palestinian Territories
| Currency | New Israeli Shekel (NIS) |
| Language | Arabic |
| Capital | East Jerusalem |
The State of Palestine is composed of the West Bank and Gaza Strip areas. The West Bank is located to the east of Jerusalem, bordering Israel and Jordan. The Gaza Strip borders the Mediterranean Sea, between Israel and Egypt. The boundaries of the Palestinian territory, however, continue to be disputed.
Palestine has suffered a long history of conflict and dispute over its territory and Palestinian sovereignty continues to generate conflict with Israel. The creation of Israel in 1948 led to the displacement of the Arab population out of Israel and into the territories of Palestine - the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. With such an influx of people, the West Bank became a poor, densely-populated and destitute area. In 1964, the Palestine Liberation Organization, a representative for the Palestinian people, was formed. The goal of the organization was to create an independent state and liberate the Palestine people from Israeli oppression. In November 1988, the Palestine Liberation Organization self-declared independence. In 1993, Israel and Palestine signed the Oslo Accord, an accord in which Israel granted the Palestine Liberation Organization administrative control over some of the Palestinian territory. In 2012, Palestine was granted status as a nonmember observer state by the UN, and as of September 2015, 193 of the UN member states recognized the State of Palestine. Nevertheless, conflict and strife continues. Palestinian nationalists fear Israeli control and annexation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, while most Israelis feel as though these lands belong to Israel. These lands were, and continue to be, of strategic importance; the main roads connecting Egypt and Syria run through them as do roads connecting the Mediterranean to the Middle East beyond the Jordan River.
Palestine has a rich blend of cultures and religions. Jews, Christians and Muslims live in Palestine and all three religions recognize the area as the Holy Land. The geography of Palestine is equally diverse with the rocky plateau of Judea, the desert-like Negev region and the deep, dry Jordan Valley (the lowest land depth on Earth).
The president of Palestine is the head of state. Although the capital of Palestine is East Jerusalem, the administrative center is Ramallah. Palestine is very densely populated with a population of approximately 4,420,000 people (2013 estimate).
Recommended Vaccinations For Palestinian Territories
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and family.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Palestinian Territories
There are no recommendations for Palestinian Territories at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Palestinian Territories
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
For Some Travellers
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Leishmaniasis
There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.
Measles
There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Typhoid Fever
Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Palestinian Territories
Personal Safety
Exercise extreme caution if travelling to Palestine. Avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip, and avoid non-essential travel to the West Bank due to the unpredictable security situation, violence and military activity.
Always be alert in your surroundings, keep valuables secured and out of sight, safeguard important documents, such as your passport. Keep identification with you at all times. Do not show signs of wealth so as to avoid becoming a target. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never let your drink out of your sight.
Ensure that you are familiar with the emergency procedures of the area (air raid sirens, locations of emergency shelters etc.). Monitor local news and travel reports often to be vigilant about the security situation.
Safety standards for transportation may be lower in Palestine. Exercise caution. There have been incidences of violence near public transportation lines. Avoid using buses in Jerusalem.
Visitors are advised to dress conservatively and respect all religious customs. Note the times of religious observances before travelling.
Extreme Violence
The threat of terrorism is high in the Palestinian Territories. Several Palestinian regions are under constant threat of airstrikes, drone attacks and explosions.
Political Unrest
Avoid large public gatherings and protests. These events and situations have turned violent and people have been killed.
Areas To Avoid
Avoid travel to the Palestinian Territories due to continuing conflict between Israel and various militant groups. The security situation is unpredictable. Travellers may be unable to leave the area, and government assistance to the area is very limited. Avoid all non-essential travel to areas bordering Syria, Lebanon and Egypt due to the volatile security situation.
