ensure the basic needs and welfare of the Palestinian civilian population under its control (Art. 43, Hague Regulations; Art. 4, 27 and 55 Fourth Geneva Convention). Recommendations In light of existing rights of and obligations toward Palestinian refugees, the Global Network of Experts on the Question of Palestine (GNEQP) recommends that a number of measures be considered in order to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the protection, safety and health of Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, occupied Palestine and Syria: International community and donors should 1. Put an end to the protracted plight of Palestinian refugees that has spanned over 72 years, and seek a just and comprehensive solution that enables their right of return. 2. Remind Israel of the obligations it has as the occupying power, in accordance with international humanitarian law, in particular the applicable provisions of the Fourth Geneva Convention. This entails lifting the siege on Gaza to allow for medical supplies and staff to enter. 3. Acknowledge the importance of including Palestinian refugees in the measures taken as a global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 4. Strengthen support for UNRWA, including by fully funding the UNRWA Emergency Flash Appeal for the COVID-19 Response, to help maintain decent living standards for Palestinian refugees and increase resilience to future health crisis 5. Increase support for healthcare providers across the region, including governments, grassroots 10 organizations, and local and international NGOs, to fill immediate gaps in healthcare provision. 6. Mobilize funds to strengthen local economies and mitigate the negative socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on host and refugee communities. 7. Ensure an inclusive approach from implementation partners for information dissemination, service provision and case management to support Palestinian refugees in checking their eligibility, applying and resolving issues related to their application. Host governments should 8. Abide by the provisions of international law related to the right to health, livelihood, and equal treatment and non-discrimination of all Palestinian refugees.32 9. Provide Palestinian refugees, as longterm residents in their countries, with affordable, appropriate and comprehensive access to public health services, including testing and treatment for COVID-19, without discrimination. 10. Include Palestinian refugees in the provision of economic relief to families that suffer from the consequences of isolation, restriction of movement and loss of income. 11. Acknowledge the precarious situation of particular groups, such as the PRS and Palestinian refugees without a national ID, in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular their labor rights and access to health care. 12. Allow Palestinian refugees habitually residing in the country to take part in national repatriation efforts to the country. 13. Discourage circulation of material, including in government publications