Fact Check: "Palestinians are better off because of Israel"
What We Know
The claim that "Palestinians are better off because of Israel" is a complex and contentious statement that requires careful examination of various aspects of life in the Palestinian territories under Israeli influence. Several studies and reports provide insights into the quality of life, human insecurity, and distress among Palestinians, particularly in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
A study titled Quality of life, human insecurity, and distress among Palestinians in the Gaza Strip investigates changes in the quality of life (QoL) of Gaza Palestinians before and after the Israeli winter 2008-2009 war. The study found no significant improvement in the quality of life scores between 2005 and 2009, with increased human insecurity and distress reported in 2009 compared to 2005.
Another report, Health-related Quality of life of Gaza Palestinians, documents the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Gazans six months after the 2008-09 Israeli attack. The findings reveal poor HRQoL scores, with significant associations between low HRQoL and war-related factors, such as distress, insecurity, and suffering.
Furthermore, a comparison of health indicators and social determinants between Israel and Palestine highlights disparities in health outcomes, with data collection challenges in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt) affecting the accuracy of mortality data.
Analysis
The evidence from the studies indicates that Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza, have experienced significant challenges in their quality of life due to ongoing conflict and political violence. The Quality of life, human insecurity, and distress among Palestinians study shows that the intensification of political violence has not led to improvements in the quality of life for Palestinians. Instead, it has exacerbated human insecurity and distress.
The Health-related Quality of life of Gaza Palestinians report further supports this by documenting poor HRQoL scores and identifying war-related factors as significant contributors to the low quality of life. These findings suggest that the presence and actions of Israel have not led to better living conditions for Palestinians.
The reliability of these sources is supported by their publication in peer-reviewed journals and the use of established methodologies, such as the World Health Organization's QoL instruments. However, it is essential to consider potential biases due to the politically charged nature of the topic and the challenges in data collection in conflict zones.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that "Palestinians are better off because of Israel" is not supported by the available evidence. Studies indicate that the quality of life for Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, has not improved and is characterized by increased insecurity and distress due to ongoing conflict and political violence. The evidence suggests that the presence and actions of Israel have not resulted in better living conditions for Palestinians.
Sources
- Quality of life, human insecurity, and distress among Palestinians in the Gaza Strip
- Health-related Quality of life of Gaza Palestinians
- Life conditions and quality of life of Palestinians living in the Biddu Enclave
- The Quality of Life of Palestinians Living in Chronic Conflict
- Quality of Life Comparison Between Palestine And Israel
- A comparison of health indicators and social determinants of health
- Country comparison: Israel / Palestine - Worlddata.info
- The Quality of Life of Palestinians under a Chronic Political Conflict