Occupied Palestinian Territory

We began providing health services to Palestinian refugees living in Lebanese camps in 1949, following the exodus of Palestinians from the newly created state of Israel.

Following the formation of the Palestinian Authority in 1994, we increased our support for partner organisations, focusing on technical assistance in health and education. We established a full-time presence in the occupied Palestinian territory in 2002.

Our current programme consists of providing emergency support in Gaza, protecting children in their schools and communities and promoting children's rights.

Detailed information about our work

The following resources are useful for you to learn more about our work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

Get on Track

The UN met on 25 September to discuss the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs). All over the world people came together to urge the UN to 'get on track' with MDG 4: to cut child deaths by two-thirds by 2015.

Find out more about Get on Track around the world.

The OPT programme organised 10 events in community centres and schools.

Related news

Monday 5 January 2009 Thousands of children forced to flee Gaza airstrikes
At least 13,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes in Gaza as the bombardment continues into its seventh day.
Tuesday 30 December 2008 Grave threat that Gaza violence will leave thousands more children malnourished
Save the Children warns that thousands more children could be pushed over the limit into malnutrition if there is not a break in the violence so food aid can be distributed.
Monday 29 December 2008 Children are main victims of Gaza conflict
Save the Children is calling for an immediate end to the violence in Gaza following reports that at least 32 children have been killed in Israeli air strikes.
Thursday 25 September 2008 Middle East Quartet is failing, warn aid agencies
The Middle East Quartet (EU, Russia, UN, USA) is failing - making inadequate progress towards improving the lives of Palestinians nor improving the prospects for peace - according to a new report by leading aid agencies published today
Monday 10 March 2008 Surviving the blockade on Gaza
The situation for 1.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip is worse now than it has ever been since the start of the Israeli military occupation in 1967.
Thursday 6 March 2008 Gaza: Humanitarian situation worst since 1967
Poverty and unemployment up, hospitals suffering 12 hour a day power cuts, water and sewage system close to collapse.

Protecting Palestinan refugees

Iman, 11, plays amongst building debris.

40 years on: Save the Children calls for greater protection for Palestinian refugee children.  Read our press release.

Did you know...?

Talal, 5, taking part in a discussion group

Children make up 53% of the population in the OPT. 42% of Palestinian children in the OPT are refugees.   Read our Child Rights fact sheet.