Legal obligations In the context of COVID-19, the following legal norms apply to protect the Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Occupied Palestine and Syria: The Right to Health Widely recognized in international law,29 the right to health requires countries to ensure that the provision of essential medicines, prevention and treatment are provided in a non-discriminatory manner. Access to food, water and sanitation, safe shelter and education are as part of realizing the right to health. These rights – of heightened relevance and importance in times like the current COVID-19 pandemic – apply to refugees, including stateless persons whose lack of effective nationality must not preclude them from enjoying the right to health. Nevertheless, in many host states, access to health care is limited by discriminatory legislation that charges Palestinians exorbitant costs for public health services, while the humanitarian community is unable to completely cover gaps in services. Moreover, in occupied Palestine, Israeli blockades prevent procurement of medical supplies and training of medical staff. In Syria, the West Bank and Gaza, violent attacks, demolitions and political instability have negatively affected Palestinian refugees’ access to health care. The Right to Livelihood30 Countries have the obligation to assist refugees who lose their jobs and incomes due to the COVID-19 pandemic to the same extent that such protection is afforded to nationals. In addition, countries are to ensure respect of labor rights of refugees working in essential occupations and industries, and in particular take measures to protect their health. In several host states, Palestinian refugees currently lack economic rights and are, particularly, at risk of immediate dismissal or suspension of labor. This is particularly the case for certain groups, such as ex-Gazans, “non-ID holders” and PRS. Moreover, many Palestinian refugees are ineligible to apply for unemployment benefits. The Right to Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination 31 Host authorities have the obligation to comply with laws requiring equal treatment and non-discrimination in their approach to attempting to halt and responding to COVID-19. This regards all persons in the country, irrespective of their immigration and citizenship status or the fact of their displacement. Many Palestinian refugees in the region suffer from discriminatory legislations and treatment. In addition, non-discrimination is critical from a public health standpoint; since the virus is indiscriminate, adopting discriminatory policies increases the risk of further spread of COVID-19 and threatens the well-being of the entire country. International Humanitarian Law In the context of the ongoing occupation by Israel of the Gaza Strip and West Bank (including East-Jerusalem), Israel, as the occupying power, must take all necessary measures to effectively protect Palestinians in times of pandemic by ensuring hygiene and public health during an epidemic (Art. 55 and 56 Fourth Geneva Convention). Moreover, Israel is required to cooperate effectively with national and local authorities to protect the population from the virus (Article 56 of the Fourth Geneva Convention). Finally, Israel is also obligated to maintain public order, protect Palestinian life and property from all acts of violence or threats thereof, and 9