In the Oslo Accords, the West Bank was divided into 3 areas. In the largely rural Area C, the planning function was to be undertaken temporarily by the Israelis. However, responsibility for planning and infrastructure has still not been passed over to the Palestinian Authority.

Since the occupation began, planning has severely restricted Palestinian development opportunities, while permitting the extensive growth of Israeli settlements and the infrastructure to support them. This has denied the Palestinian Authority vital economic resources and contributed to a situation where villages in Area C are dependent on donors for basic services, and are at risk of having property demolished.

A set of principles were identified through which to interpret findings and shape recommendations. These include human rights as a basis on which to build planning practice, principles of administrative justice, and the International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning of UN-Habitat.