Are Banks Open Today in Palestine?

The Palestinian banking sector is overseen by the Palestine Monetary Authority. Banks in Palestine serve the West Bank and Gaza Strip, operating under unique circumstances. Standard business hours are maintained during weekdays, with closures on Fridays (the Muslim day of rest) and national holidays. Digital banking services have developed to provide convenient access to banking. The Palestinian banking sector operates under extraordinary constraints shaped by the ongoing political situation. The Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) serves as the de facto central bank regulating banks across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, though operating conditions differ dramatically between the two territories. In the West Bank, banking operates relatively normally under PMA supervision with a full range of services. Gaza's banking sector has faced severe disruptions and physical infrastructure destruction during periods of conflict. The Palestinian economy uses three currencies simultaneously — the Israeli new shekel (ILS, most common), Jordanian dinar (JOD), and US dollar (USD) — as Palestine has no independent currency. Major banks operating in the West Bank include Bank of Palestine (the largest Palestinian-owned bank), Cairo Amman Bank, Arab Bank, and Jordan Ahli Bank. Palestinian banking hours follow a Sunday to Thursday schedule reflecting the Friday-Saturday Islamic weekend, typically 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Ramadan brings significantly reduced banking hours across all institutions. Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha result in multi-day closures with dates determined by moon sighting. Palestinian national commemorations like Nakba Day (May 15) and Palestinian Independence Day (November 15) are observed as banking holidays in the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority's administrative calendar. Digital banking development has been hampered by infrastructure limitations and political constraints, but mobile banking adoption has grown as an alternative to branch visits. Correspondent banking relationships critical for international transfers have been challenging to maintain as some international banks have reduced exposure to Palestinian financial institutions due to compliance concerns. For international organizations and businesses operating in Palestinian territories, these unique banking constraints require careful consideration for realistic financial planning.