Governance of the Land Sector in Palestine: A Step Towards Sovereignty and Development

In a homeland where identity is encapsulated by land, and sovereignty and dignity are realized through the right to ownership, governance of the land sector in Palestine becomes more than just an administrative reform; it is a national project aimed at fortifying sovereignty, organizing development, and consolidating justice. Despite the restrictions and land confiscations imposed by the occupation apparatus, the Palestinian will for governance and reform must not wane, but rather become clearer and more resolute in the face of challenges.

The land… the heart of the issue and the foundation of reform

Historically, the land sector has been one of the most sensitive sectors in the Palestinian scene, as it is intertwined with national wealth, individual rights, and political sovereignty simultaneously. However, the multiplicity of references, lack of coordination at certain stages, and the accumulation of old laws have made land management resemble a bureaucratic maze that obstructs development and weakens efficiency of use.

Nevertheless, the last ten years have witnessed tangible reform movement led by national institutions, most notably the Palestinian Land Authority and the Land and Water Settlement Commission, which were recently merged in an attempt to reorganize the sector based on principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance.

Reforming the land sector at the center of the storm

In the context of occupation that controls more than 60% of the West Bank land (Area “C”), it is impossible to talk about genuine sovereignty over the land, but we can—and must—talk about prudent national governance of the land that protects what can be protected and manages what can be managed.

From here, Palestinian reform policies for the land sector must be adopted, targeting the establishment of an integrated system for land management, based on:

* Updating the legal framework through a unified land law that aligns with the requirements of a modern state.

* Digitizing property records to protect data from loss or manipulation.

* Accelerating settlement and registration processes to legally establish citizens' rights.

* Enhancing transparency in the allocation of public lands for investors and citizens alike.

Although these steps may seem administrative on the surface, they form a sovereign shield, as they legally affirm Palestinian existence and reinforce trust between the citizen and the state.

From bureaucracy to governance in the land sector

It is no secret that traditional land management used to suffer from chronic slowness, weak coordination, and a lack of accountability. This now requires a shift towards comprehensive digital governance, through building a national Geographic Information System (N-GIS) that connects different institutions and ministries to a unified database, allowing for tracking ownership, monitoring allocations, and following disputes in real-time.

Digital transformation in the land sector is not a mere technological luxury, but a developmental and political necessity, as data is the new weapon in the battle of affirming existence.

Social justice at the heart of reform

Real reform is not measured solely by the extent of institutional organization, but by its impact on people's lives, especially in light of the economic crisis, rising unemployment, and limited salaries. Therefore, the Palestinian government should pay special attention to:

* Allocating land for popular housing for low-income groups.

* Settling inheritance and co-ownership issues more quickly in a way that preserves rights and reduces disputes.

* Empowering Palestinian women to exercise their rights to ownership, inheritance, and participation in real estate development.

* Supporting youth through allocating land for small agricultural and industrial projects aimed at preserving the land.

These steps enhance justice and equality, and establish the concept that land is not a privilege but a constitutional right for all.

Towards a unified national land management

One of the most notable recent measures for the land sector is the unification of institutional references under a single umbrella, merging the Settlement Commission and the Land Authority into one institution directly supervised by the Cabinet.

However, the goal should not be mere formal restructuring, but rather building an institution capable of decision-making, resource management, and executing strategic plans and governance away from bureaucratic complexities.

Furthermore, land sector reform and governance should continue until a National Council for Land Governance is established, comprising representatives from relevant ministries, municipalities, the private sector, and civil society organizations, to ensure transparency and participation in decision-making.

Land reform and governance as a tool for resilience

In the Palestinian reality, reforming and governing the land sector becomes a form of resilience. When lands are registered in the names of their owners, boundaries and ownership are documented, and records are centrally managed in a national digital system, every document and every piece of land becomes a legal barrier against confiscation and Judaization.

Here, the idea of resilience through governance manifests: transforming Palestinian administrative tools into defensive instruments, and turning administrative reform into a national project to protect the land and the people.

A vision for the future – towards sustainable development

To achieve a real transformation in the land sector, it is essential to adopt a comprehensive national strategy (2025–2030) based on:

1. Unifying the legal and institutional framework for land.

2. Completing the full digitization of data and records.

3. Enhancing transparency and accountability by electronically publishing all land transactions.

4. Launching urban and agricultural development programs based on fair planning and sustainable land uses.

5. Strengthening international cooperation and transparent governance and management of projects with supporting entities to protect Palestinian property rights in international forums.

Final Recommendation

Despite all the difficulties, the governance and reform project for the land sector in Palestine must move forward with confident steps toward the future. Reform here is not merely administrative updating, but a national building process that aims to assert Palestinian sovereignty over their land, enhance justice, and achieve sustainable development.

In conclusion… land is not just a geographical area to be managed, but it is the memory of a homeland, a pillar of the economy, and a symbol of survival. When land is managed with sound governance, transparency, and justice, the future of Palestine is managed firmly and with dignity.