Palestine is divided into 16 governates, which serve as the primary administrative divisions of the Palestinian territories. These governates function as the sole level of territorial administration, handling local governance, public services, and coordination with the Palestinian Authority. Each governate is headed by a governor appointed by the President of Palestine and maintains responsibility for implementing national policies, overseeing municipal affairs, managing civil administration, and delivering essential services including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. The governates operate across both the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with 11 located in the West Bank and 5 in Gaza. This administrative structure enables the distribution of governmental authority and facilitates more localized management of public affairs within the Palestinian territories.