The evidence and analysis presented in the Preliminary Framework Paper on the Social and Economic Impacts of Israeli Measures in the West Bank clearly demonstrate that the intensifying occupation policies since October 2023 extend far beyond military and security dimensions. These measures deeply affect the foundations of daily life, forcibly reshape geographical and social realities, threaten overall stability, undermine development prospects, and disproportionately increase the vulnerability of marginalized groups—particularly women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.

As the national authority responsible for disaster and crisis risk management, the Ministry of Interior affirms that such challenges cannot be addressed through conventional measures alone. A comprehensive framework is required—one grounded in the principles of justice, social peace, and sustainable development. Accordingly, our response is guided by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which serves as an international standard for understanding and managing complex, interconnected risks—whether stemming from occupation, natural hazards, or socio-economic pressures.

Field data and observations gathered by our teams clearly indicate that the restrictions imposed by the occupation have resulted in a sharp rise in poverty and unemployment, a breakdown in social cohesion, the collapse of essential services such as healthcare and education, and even the obstruction of emergency medical transport.

In response, the Ministry outlines three strategic priorities:

• Enhancing security and civil governance in vulnerable areas, while activating local partnerships to strengthen preventive and emergency response systems.
• Designing context-sensitive intervention plans, tailored to the specific needs and levels of threat faced by each locality.
• Integrating human security with sustainable development, to ensure early crisis prevention and the long-term resilience of Palestinian communities.