The main areas of SDC cooperation in Palestine, occupied territories, are social development, occupational training and education, good governance (particularly as applied to human rights) and the environment. For several years, humanitarian aid has been provided to various institutions working for Palestinian refugees.

Although health is not a separate sector, health-related issues are being addressed in various projects and programmes. Psychological support, for example, is an important aspect of the project on the economic and social integration of former prisoners in Palestinian society. The Palestinian Counselling Centre offers both social and psychological support, particularly to children and their relatives,who are suffering from various disorders as a result of the prevailing violence.

Whereas two projects, the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP) and the project for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture (TRC), come under the heading of human rights, access to medical and specific psychological support represents an important focus. The environmental project on Urban Environment and Health is investigating the health implications of environmental factors in urban areas and proposing measures to improve the situation.

Since well-established partners are available in Palestine, occupied territories, the SDC works exclusively with local institutions. In addition to carefully selected technical government departments, these are primarily NGOs and university institutes and, in connection with humanitarian aid, international organizations.