Israel and Palestine

PAX has worked in Israel and Palestine since the late 1960s. Therefore, PAX has a strong network among Israeli and Palestinian activists and organisations that share the same goals: the protection of human rights, an end to the occupation, inequality and apartheid, and a viable and just peace in the region grounded in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL).

We support local partners in countering efforts to reduce civic space, putting pressure on Israel and international duty bearers to prevent specific violations of housing & residency rights of Palestinians in East Jerusalem & Area C, and work together with youth and specifically young women on the West Bank and in East Jerusalem to gain access to relevant fora and decision-making processes at local level and foster gender equality and inclusivity. Furthermore, PAX focusses on reducing the involvement of Dutch companies and Dutch financial institutions in relation to the illegal Israeli occupation and we are addressing the role of the Dutch government and advocating for accountability.

Our work

Youth Bridges

The Youth Bridges project, in partnership with PCPD, empowers Palestinian youth to bridge the gap between communities and decision-makers. Through training, dialogues, and creative initiatives, over 500 participants across the West Bank promote gender equality, accountability, and inclusive governance, fostering positive change in local policies and practices.

Social Archiving In East Jerusalem

Khazaaen is a Palestinian social archive in East Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, preserving community identity amid evictions and demolitions. Together we collect and digitize ephemeral materials, foster research access, and organize events. We enhance archival practices and connect with Dutch initiatives to share and protect Palestinian identity.

Don’t Buy Into Occupation

We’re a leading member of the Don’t Buy into Occupation coalition. We investigate investments by European financial institutions in companies that are involved in illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We urge financial institutions to take action and divest from companies that continue to facilitate human rights violations.

Civic Space and Digital Rights

Civic space in Palestine is increasingly under pressure, also online, with activists facing both Israeli occupation and growing restrictions from the Palestinian Authority. Together with 7amleh, PAX advocates for digital rights by targeting governments and social media companies to combat online hate speech and discriminatory moderation policies.

Gender Inclusivity in Palestine

PCPD leads projects in Palestine focusing on gender equality. These include masculinity training, gender policy development, media advocacy, and empowering young women through leadership training and media campaigns, aiming to challenge stereotypes and gender inequalities, promote women’s rights, and create inclusive spaces for young people to drive social change in Palestinian society.

Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme

EAPPI guarantees the protective presence of international observers in fragile communities on the West Bank including East Jerusalem. Monitoring developments in the occupied territories and reporting human rights violations brings extra protection.

Housing and Residency Rights

Palestinians in East Jerusalem face ongoing violations of housing and residency rights, including forced displacement, house demolitions, and residency revocations. We conduct targeted local and international advocacy to address these injustices.

MEND – Transformatieve Gender Programme’s

We support Palestinian women and youth to overcome social fragmentation, violence, and inequality through gender transformative programs.

MEND – Transformatieve Gender Programme’s

We support Palestinian women and youth to overcome social fragmentation, violence, and inequality through gender transformative programs.

Palestina Activist Lab

The Activist Labs equip youth from all over the West Bank to lead impactful initiatives on topics like gender, opportunities for youth, and local governance. Through multi-day trainings, participants develop own actions and inspire participants to organize labs in their communities and drive meaningful change.

War in Gaza

Immediately after 7 October, PAX strongly condemned the Hamas attack. At the same time, we expressed fears of a far-reaching further escalation and stressed the need to address the root causes. From the outset, we called for de-escalation and breaking the cycle of violence.

Podcasts

We also produce PAX Palestine Podcast. In several episodes, we talk to different partners such as the World Council of Churches, YMCA East Jerusalem and The Palestinian Center for Peace and Democracy who talk more about their experiences and work in Palestine.

Lawsuit against Dutch state: stop delivering F-35 parts

The Dutch government supplies (spare) parts for fighter planes to the Israeli Air Force for use in Gaza, despite serious war crimes being committed there. We find this unacceptable. That is why we have sued the Dutch government with partners Oxfam Novib and The Rights Forum.