The legal and judicial systems in Palestine are shaped by a complex interplay of historical, political, and administrative factors. The Palestinian territories operate under a mix of Ottoman, British Mandate, Jordanian, and Egyptian laws, alongside modern Palestinian legislation. The judiciary is divided between the West Bank and Gaza Strip, each with its own court system and legal framework. In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority manages the judicial system, which includes civil, criminal, and religious courts.
Gaza’s legal system, under Hamas administration, operates differently, often influenced by Islamic law. Both regions face challenges such as limited resources, political interference, and the impact of the Israeli occupation, which affects legal jurisdiction and enforcement. Efforts are ongoing to reform and strengthen the legal system to ensure justice and uphold human rights amidst the broader context of conflict and political instability.