The Palestinian presence in Area C has continuously been undermined through different
administrative measures, planning regulations and other means adopted by Israel as
occupying power. Prior to 1967 there were between 200,000 and 320,000 Palestinians in
the Jordan Valley. Today the number is 56,000 (of which 70% live in Area A in Jericho).
The increasing integration of Area C into Israel proper has left Palestinian communities in
the same area ever more isolated. During the past year there has been a further
deterioration of the overall situation in Area C. If current trends are not stopped and
reversed, the establishment of a viable Palestinian state within the pre-1967 borders
seems more remote than ever.
The window for a two-state solution is rapidly closing with the continued expansion of
Israeli settlements and access restrictions for Palestinians in Area C, the only contiguous
area in the West Bank surrounding Area A and B. Area C compromises crucial natural
resources and land for the future demographic and economic growth of a viable
Palestinian State. State building efforts in Area C of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and
the EU are therefore of utmost importance in order to support the creation of a
contiguous and viable Palestinian state. Full and effective Palestinian development of
Area C will require the re-designation of Area C to Areas A and B. This objective has to
be pursued at the political level. Enabling measures should, however, be pursued in the
interim to support Palestinian presence in and development of this area.