Government Structure
Palestine is an autonomous, secular, nation with a
democratically elected government.
The status of Palestine during this period is defined in the Declaration
of Principles on Interim Self-Government (DOP), signed in Washington in
September 1993. In the agreement, the Palestinian National Authority is
defined geographically as the self-ruled territories, and
administratively as the two main organizations, the Palestinian
Legislative Council (PLC) and the Council of Ministers.
With respect to sovereignty during the interim period, the occupied
territories are divided into three different areas according to the
level of Palestinian authority. Israel maintains external security in
all three areas.
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Area "A" covers all Palestinian urban areas where the PNA has full autonomy. The PNA is responsible for administration and enforcement of the law on all levels. This includes civilian and police powers. |
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Area "B" covers Palestinian rural areas where the PNA has civilian jurisdiction but no police powers. Israeli and Palestinian police patrol together |
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Area "C" includes Israeli settlements, military areas and open areas. These areas are under complete Israeli control. |