In the Gaza Strip, people are suffering as a result of the long-lasting blockade with all its negative impacts on daily life, and from recent restriction measures and cuts by the Palestinian Authority. In this context of a protracted conflict with a worsening socio-economic situation, a participatory vulnerability analysis (PVA) to understand the root causes of issues and try to find solutions to strengthen resilience is not an easy exercise to undertake. However, the PVA’s systemic approach combining community-based assessment tools, power analysis and resilience programming has been very fruitful in terms of building dynamic collaboration, involvement and leadership of local stakeholders.

This report draws on a workshop, focus group discussions and key informant interviews to understand the vulnerability of communities and livelihoods in the northern Gaza Strip. It explores how this activity enabled the design of resilience-oriented actions to improve the short- to long-term situation, combining programming and influencing work.