%0 Journal Article
	%A Lubna Shaheen
	%D 2013
	%J International Journal of Urban and Civil Engineering
	%B World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
	%I Open Science Index 75, 2013
	%T Rapid Urbanization and the Challenge of SustainableUrban Development in Palestinian Cities
	%U https://publications.waset.org/pdf/2638
	%V 75
	%X Palestinian cities face the challenges of land scarcity,
high population growth rates, rapid urbanization, uneven
development and territorial fragmentation. Due to geopolitical
constrains and the absence of an effective Palestinian planning
institution, urban development in Palestinian cities has not followed
any discernable planning scheme. This has led to a number of
internal contradictions in the structure of cities, and adversely
affected land use, the provision of urban services, and the quality of
the living environment.
This paper explores these challenges, and the potential that exists
for introducing a more sustainable urban development pattern in
Palestinian cities. It assesses alternative development approaches
with a particular focus on sustainable development, promoting ecodevelopment
imperatives, limiting random urbanization, and meeting
present and future challenges, including fulfilling the needs of the
people and conserving the scarce land and limited natural resources.
This paper concludes by offering conceptual proposals and guidelines
for promoting sustainable physical development in Palestinian cities.
	%P 643 - 649