Israel and Palestine

The post-Oct. 7, 2024, environment has necessitated a return to a conflict resolution lens while maintaining a long-term perspective on Palestinian self-determination. 

Our Work and Methods 

Hold dialogues that bring together civil society organizations, human rights defenders, youth groups, political parties, and other influential groups in Israel and Palestine to find pathways to move forward.  

Provide technical expertise in international law and democratic governance to help stakeholders address the evolving nature of the conflict.  

Our Impacts 

The Carter Center’s work on Palestinian reconciliation contributed indirectly to the Fatah-Hamas agreement reached in May 2011. 

In April 2008, President Carter narrowed the distance between Hamas and Israel on the truce in and around Gaza, convincing Hamas to drop its requirement that a truce in Gaza be tied to a truce in the West Bank, thus making the June 2008 ceasefire possible. 

The Carter Center has a long history of peacebuilding in Israel and Palestine, rooted in President Carter’s conviction that peace is impossible without equal rights for Palestinians and an end to the occupation. 
 
Decades of occupation, deepening political divides, and shrinking civic space have denied Palestinians basic rights and safety, while violence and displacement continue to escalate. There is an urgent need for sustained support to civil society, inclusive governance, and accountability to international norms.  
 
Our Work and Methods

We advocate for a permanent ceasefire, urging all parties and the international community to condition security aid on 
compliance with these norms. Our focus is on fostering an inclusive transitional governance process for Palestinians in Gaza, ensuring equal safety and rights for both Israelis and Palestinians, alongside the end of occupation and support for a viable Palestinian state. We support all efforts to end forced displacement and the blockade of Gaza, advocating for unhindered access to humanitarian supplies and essential services.  
 
Our Impacts 

Supported Palestinian and Israeli civil society organizations with grants, training, and advocacy to strengthen resilience and amplify marginalized voices.  

Continued support of interfaith dialogues to advocate for policy reform that will improve the lives of Palestinians. 

Built the capacity of young Palestinians — especially women and marginalized groups — through training in human rights, advocacy, and international engagement.  

The Carter Center has observed all Palestinian elections since 1996 and continues to support efforts to hold democratic, inclusive elections and to renew the democratic mandate of Palestinian political leaders. 

Our Work and Methods 

Build consensus on critical election reforms by facilitating communication between key stakeholders 

Increase dialogue that contributes to political reconciliation of the major Palestinian political parties 

Our Impacts 

In 2009, The Carter Center, in cooperation with The Arab Thought Forum and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), initiated an electoral reform project in Palestine, which was the only platform for dialogue between the political parties, including Fatah and Hamas, outside the Cairo reconciliation discussions.  

In August 2010, The Carter Center and the UNDP launched the Initiative on Dialogue, Consensus Building, and Civic Awareness in Palestine, which furthered support for electoral reform.  

In addition to our election observation work, President Carter and The Carter Center have engaged with all parties, including both Israeli and Hamas officials, condemning attacks against civilians while working toward sustainable peace solutions. Recognizing that Hamas enjoys significant Palestinian support, Carter urged inclusive approaches rather than boycotts that undermine democratic institutions.   

Our Work and Methods 

The Carter Center facilitated dialogue between Hamas and Israel, helping broker a six-month Gaza ceasefire in June 2008. We continued monitoring Palestinian reconciliation efforts and supporting unity agreements with all stakeholders. 

Our Impacts 

The Carter Center’s mediation contributed to a 97% reduction in attacks during the 2008 Gaza ceasefire, though goods entering Gaza remained at only 27% of normal levels.  

We advocated for extending the ceasefire before its December 2008 expiration.  

Ongoing work supports Palestinian reconciliation agreements and monitors developments toward forming unified West Bank-Gaza governance and overseeing future elections.