Health policy as counter-terrorism: health services and the Palestinians

Counter-terrorism and health policies converge in the complex world of Middle East politics. Hamas, labeled a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States and Europe, is also a major participant in the health sector of the Gaza Strip and West Bank. Hamas gains important legitimacy and political support with its social services. Palestinian policies directed at these services can be part of a counter-terrorism strategy as long as violence is part of the Hamas agenda. This paper describes the Palestinian health sector using cross-sectional bivariate regressions. It then discusses the role of stronger public institutions to help thwart terrorism and promote peace and prosperity in the region.