Although the concept of the Palestine region and its geographical extent has varied throughout history, it is now considered to be composed by the modern State of Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.[46] General use of the term "Palestine" or related terms to the area at the southeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea beside Syria has historically been taking place since the times of ancient Greece, with Herodotus being the first historian writing in the 5th century BC in The Histories of a "district of Syria, called Palaistine" in which Phoenicians interacted with other maritime peoples.[47][48] The term "Palestine" (in Latin, Palæstina) is thought to have been a term coined by the Ancient Greeks for the area of land occupied by the Philistines, although there are other explanations.[49]
Terminology
This article uses the terms "Palestine", "State of Palestine", "occupied Palestinian territory (oPt or OPT)" interchangeably depending on context. Specifically, the term "occupied Palestinian territory" refers as a whole to the geographical area of the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967. In all cases, any references to land or territory refer to land claimed by the State of Palestine.[50]
First Temple was constructed as a sacred site for Jewish worship.[58]
However, internal conflicts and foreign invasions led to the division of the kingdom into
Babylonians in 586 BCE.[59][60] This event marked the Babylonian exile and dispersion of the Jewish people.[61] During the Babylonian exile, Jewish religious practices and beliefs were reinforced and codified.[62][63] Despite foreign domination, the exiled Jews maintained their faith and cultural identity.[64] After the fall of the Babylonian empire, some Jews returned to Palestine and rebuilt the Second Temple in Jerusalem.[64] Palestine came under the rule of various empires, but Jewish religious and cultural identity persisted.[64] Different Jewish sects emerged, contributing to the diversity within Judaism and the development of religious interpretation and practice.[64]
Christian history, believed to bring salvation and forgiveness of sins.[65] His disciples, known as apostles, spread his teachings and established Christianity.[65] The early growth of Christianity faced persecution but gained momentum after the conversion of Roman Emperor Constantine in the fourth century CE.[65] Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, leading to its widespread acceptance and the construction of churches and religious institutions.[65]
Historic Palestine holds a significant place in the history of
Muslim community, including the command to establish the five daily prayers (Salah).[66] The Qibla, the direction Muslims face during prayer, initially faced towards Jerusalem.[66] However, in the early years of Islam, the Qibla was changed to face Mecca. This change occurred after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina and solidified the religious and symbolic significance of Mecca as the holiest city in Islam.[66]
Roman Empire
Main article:
Roman Palestine
In 63 BCE, Roman General
Bar Kokhba Revolt, took place in 132-136 CE but was ultimately crushed by the Romans.[69]
After the Jewish revolts, the Romans abolished the client kingdom and transformed Judea into a Roman province called Judea.[70] The Roman administration imposed direct rule, leading to the dispersal of Jewish communities and the exile of many Jews. he destruction of the Second Temple and the Roman occupation contributed to the Jewish diaspora, the scattering of Jewish communities throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.[70] Jewish populations settled in various regions, including Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.[70]
Palestine, particularly Jerusalem, became a significant center for early Christianity.
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection took place in Jerusalem, and it became a focal point for Christian pilgrimage and worship.[70] Christian communities grew, and numerous churches were established in the region.[70] In the 4th century, the Roman Empire transitioned into the Byzantine Empire. Palestine remained under Byzantine control, and Christianity continued to flourish, with the construction of important religious sites and the development of Christian theology and institutions.[70]
Muslim conquest and Middle Ages
The
Haram al-Sharif compound
, became prominent Islamic landmarks and centers of spiritual and religious activities.
The First Crusade was launched in 1096 with the goal of recapturing the Holy Land from Muslim rule. In 1099, the Crusaders captured Jerusalem after a siege and established the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The city witnessed a violent massacre, with much of the Muslim and Jewish population being killed. Following the capture of Jerusalem, the Crusaders established several Crusader states in the region, including the Kingdom of Jerusalem, the County of Tripoli, and the Principality of Antioch. These states were ruled by European nobles and were characterized by a blend of European and Middle Eastern cultures.
he Crusader states faced constant threats from Muslim forces and neighboring Muslim rulers. The Crusaders built numerous fortifications and castles to defend their territories. They also engaged in trade and diplomatic relations with other regional powers. Muslim forces, particularly the
Mamluks
, continued their military campaigns against the Crusaders. Over time, they managed to recapture most of the Crusader states, including Jerusalem, in 1291, effectively ending the era of Crusader rule in Palestine.
The empire encouraged agricultural development, and various measures were taken to enhance agricultural productivity.[73] The construction of irrigation systems, such as the qanat system, helped improve water distribution and facilitated agricultural expansion.[73] Under Ottoman rule, Palestine saw an increase in the cultivation of cash crops like cotton and olives, which were exported to other regions.[73] Religiously, Palestine held great significance for Muslims, Christians, and Jews.[73] The Ottomans maintained control over the holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.[73] They also regulated access to these sites and implemented various policies to manage religious affairs.[73]
Expelled Jews from Spain were rescued and then given asylum in Ottoman Palestine.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as nationalist sentiments grew across the region, Palestinian Arab nationalism also began to emerge.[79] Intellectuals and elites in Palestine expressed a sense of identity and called for greater autonomy and self-governance.[80] This period coincided with the rise of the Young Turks movement within the Ottoman Empire, which introduced some political reforms but also faced opposition from various groups.[81]
Under British rule, the history of Palestine witnessed significant political, social, and economic transformations.[87] The British Mandate for Palestine began in 1920 after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.[87] The mandate was established under the League of Nations, with the objective of facilitating the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine while protecting the rights of the Arab population.[87]
During the initial years of the mandate, tensions between Jewish and Arab communities emerged. The British faced challenges in balancing the interests and demands of both groups. In 1936, a widespread
The British struggled to maintain control and peace, and in 1947, they decided to withdraw from Palestine.
Arab Israeli War of 1948
In 1947, the UN adopted a
State of Israel according to the proposed UN plan. The Arab Higher Committee did not declare a state of its own and instead, together with Transjordan, Egypt, and the other members of the Arab League of the time, commenced military action resulting in the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. During the war, Israel gained additional territories that were designated to be part of the Arab state under the UN plan. Egypt occupied the Gaza Strip, and Transjordan occupied and then annexed the West Bank. Egypt initially supported the creation of an All-Palestine Government but disbanded it in 1959. Transjordan never recognized it and instead decided to incorporate the West Bank with its own territory to form Jordan
. The annexation was ratified in 1950 but was rejected by the international community.
Occupation and Arab–Israeli wars
In 1964, when the West Bank was controlled by Jordan, the Palestine Liberation Organization was established there with the goal to confront Israel. The
better source needed
]
The October 1974 Arab League summit designated the PLO as the "sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people" and reaffirmed "their right to establish an independent state of urgency."[94] In November 1974, the PLO was recognized as competent on all matters concerning the question of Palestine by the UN General Assembly granting them observer status as a "non-state entity" at the UN.[95][96] After the 1988 Declaration of Independence, the UN General Assembly officially acknowledged the proclamation and decided to use the designation "Palestine" instead of "Palestine Liberation Organization" in the UN.[17][97] In spite of this decision, the PLO did not participate at the UN in its capacity of the State of Palestine's government.[98]
In 1979, through the
Haram al-Sharif
—to the PLO. In November 1988, the PLO legislature, while in exile, declared the establishment of the "State of Palestine". In the month following, it was quickly recognised by many states, including Egypt and Jordan. In the Palestinian Declaration of Independence, the State of Palestine is described as being established on the "Palestinian territory", without explicitly specifying further.
Because of this, some of the countries that recognised the State of Palestine in their statements of recognition refer to the "1967 borders", thus recognizing as its territory only the
After Israel captured and occupied the West Bank from Jordan and Gaza Strip from Egypt, it began to establish Israeli settlements there. Administration of the Arab population of these territories was performed by the Israeli Civil Administration of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories and by local municipal councils present since before the Israeli takeover. In 1980, Israel decided to freeze elections for these councils and to establish instead Village Leagues, whose officials were under Israeli influence. Later this model became ineffective for both Israel and the Palestinians, and the Village Leagues began to break up, with the last being the Hebron League, dissolved in February 1988.[101]
On 29 November 2012, in a 138–9 vote (with 41 abstentions and 5 absences),[108] the United Nations General Assembly passed resolution 67/19, upgrading Palestine from an "observer entity" to a "non-member observer state" within the United Nations System, which was described as recognition of the PLO's sovereignty.[41][42][109][110][111] Palestine's new status is equivalent to that of the Holy See.[112]
The UN has permitted Palestine to title its representative office to the UN as "The Permanent Observer Mission of the State of Palestine to the United Nations",
The West Bank is located on the western side of the
Jordan River Valley, as well as mountainous areas, including the Samarian and Judean mountain ranges.[120]East Jerusalem, a part of the West Bank, is a significant component of the Palestinian territories. It is located on a plateau in the central highlands and is surrounded by valleys. The Old City of Jerusalem
, with its historical and religious sites, is centrally located within East Jerusalem. The Gaza Strip is a small coastal enclave located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea.
Palestine has a number of environmental issues; issues facing the Gaza Strip include
soil degradation; and depletion and contamination of underground water resources. In the West Bank, many of the same issues apply; although fresh water is much more plentiful, access is restricted by the ongoing dispute.[121]
The Samarian Hills and Judean Hills are mountain ranges in the West Bank, with Mount Gerizim and Mount Hebron as their highest peaks. The Mount of Olives is a significant hill east of Jerusalem, known for its religious sites. Mount Carmel extends into the northern West Bank and is renowned for its natural beauty. Three terrestrial ecoregions are found in the area: Eastern Mediterranean conifer–sclerophyllous–broadleaf forests, Arabian Desert, and Mesopotamian shrub desert.[122]
Palestine features significant lakes and rivers that play a vital role in its geography and ecosystems.[123] The Jordan River flows southward, forming part of Palestine's eastern border and passing through the Sea of Galilee before reaching the Dead Sea.[124] These waterways provide essential resources for agriculture, recreation, and support various ecosystems.[123]
Wildlife and Protected areas
Main article:
Biodiversity in Palestine
Palestine does not have officially recognized national parks or protected areas. However, there are areas within the West Bank that are considered to have ecological and cultural significance and are being managed with conservation efforts. These areas are often referred to as nature reserves or protected zones. Located near Jericho in the West Bank, Wadi Qelt is a desert valley with unique flora and fauna. The reserve is known for its rugged landscapes, natural springs, and historical sites such as the St. George Monastery.[125] Efforts have been made to protect the biodiversity and natural beauty of the area.[126]
Climate
Main article:
Climate of Palestine
Temperatures in Palestine vary widely. The climate in the West Bank is mostly
hot semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSh) with mild winters and dry hot summers.[citation needed] Spring arrives around March–April and the hottest months are July and August, with the average high being 33 °C (91 °F). The coldest month is January with temperatures usually at 7 °C (45 °F). Rain is scarce and generally falls between November and March, with annual precipitation rates approximately at 4.57 inches (116 mm).[127]
Mahmoud Abbas is the president of the country since 2005. Mohammad Shtayyeh was the prime minister of Palestine, who resigned in 2024. While Yahya Sinwar is leader of Hamas government in the Gaza Strip. According to Freedom House, the PNA governs Palestine in an authoritarian manner, including by repressing activists and journalists critical of the government.[132]
The eastern sector of Jerusalem, known as East Jerusalem, is claimed as capital by Palestine, which has been under occupation by Israel. Currently the temporary administration center is in Ramallah, which is 10 km from Jerusalem.[133] Muqata hosts state ministries and representative office.[134] The former building Gaza was destroyed in 2009 war.[135] In 2000, a government building was built in Jerusalem suburb of Abu Dis, to house office of Yasser Arafat and Palestinian parliament.[136] Since second intifada, condition of the town made this site unsuitable to operate as a capital, either temporarily or permanently.[137]
The State of Palestine has a number of security forces, including a Civil Police Force, National Security Forces and Intelligence Services, with the function of maintaining security and protecting Palestinian citizens and the Palestinian State. All of these forces are part of Palestinian Security Services. The PSF is primarily responsible for maintaining internal security, law enforcement, and counterterrorism operations in areas under Palestinian Authority control.[138]
The
Al Quds Brigades) and maintain paramilitary capabilities.[143] They primarily focus on resistance activities against Israeli occupation and have engaged in armed conflicts with Israel in the past.[144]
The military capabilities of Palestine are significantly limited compared to the Israeli army (IDF).[145] The Oslo Accords and subsequent agreements have placed restrictions on the size and armament of Palestinian security forces.[146][147] The PA's security forces primarily focus on internal security rather than conventional military operations.[148]
The governorates in the West Bank are grouped into
three areas per the Oslo II Accord. Area A forms 18% of the West Bank by area, and is administered by the Palestinian government.[149][150] Area B forms 22% of the West Bank, and is under Palestinian civil control, and joint Israeli-Palestinian security control.[149][150]Area C, except East Jerusalem, forms 60% of the West Bank, and is administered by the Israeli Civil Administration, however, the Palestinian government provides the education and medical services to the 150,000 Palestinians in the area,[149] an arrangement agreed upon in the Oslo II accord by Israeli and Palestinian leadership. More than 99% of Area C is off limits to Palestinians, due to security concerns and is a point of ongoing negotiation.[151][152] There are about 330,000 Israelis living in settlements in Area C.[153] Although Area C is under martial law, Israelis living there are entitled to full civic rights.[154]Palestinian enclaves currently under Palestinian administration in red (Areas A and B
; not including Gaza Strip, which is under Hamas rule).
East Jerusalem (comprising the small pre-1967 Jordanian eastern-sector Jerusalem municipality together with a significant area of the pre-1967 West Bank demarcated by Israel in 1967) is administered as part of the
West Bank Security Barrier has effectively re-annexed tens of thousands of Palestinians bearing Israeli ID cards to the West Bank, leaving East Jerusalem within the barrier with a small Israeli majority (60%).[citation needed] Under Oslo Accords, Jerusalem was proposed to be included in future negotiations and according to Israel, Oslo Accords prohibits the Palestinian Authority to operates in Jerusalem. However, certain parts of Jerusalem, those neighborhoods which are located outside the historic Old City but are part of East Jerusalem, were allotted to the Palestinian Authority.[157]
^Data from Jerusalem includes occupied East Jerusalem with its Israeli population
Foreign relations
See also:
List of diplomatic missions to Palestine
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) represents the State of Palestine and maintains embassies in countries that recognize it. The PLO also participates in international organizations as a member, associate, or observer. In some cases, due to conflicting sources, it is difficult to determine if the participation is on behalf of the State of Palestine, the PLO as a non-state entity, or the Palestinian National Authority (PNA).
In 1988, the State of Palestine's declaration of independence was acknowledged by the General Assembly with Resolution 43/177.[159] In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 67/19, granting Palestine "non-member observer state" status, effectively recognizing it as a sovereign state.[160][161][111] Sweden took a significant step in 2013 by upgrading the status of the Palestinian representative office to a full embassy. They became the first EU member state outside the former communist bloc to officially recognize the state of Palestine.[162][163][164]
The UK House of Commons voted in favor of recognizing Palestine as a state in 2014, as a contribution towards achieving a negotiated two-state solution.
French parliament passed a resolution urging their government to recognize Palestine as a state, with the intention of facilitating a definitive resolution to the conflict.[167] A United Nations Security Council resolution proposed in 2014, calling for the end of Israeli occupation and statehood by 2017, did not pass due to opposition and abstentions.[168][169][170][171]
In January 2015, the International Criminal Court affirmed Palestine's "State" status after its UN observer recognition.
A majority of Arab and Muslim countries, including Algeria, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Yemen have supported the country, due to religious and cultural relations. Egypt and Jordan, apart from supporting, have also signed peace treaties with Israel. Egypt and Qatar acts as a mediator between Hamas controlled Gaza and Israel.[177][178] Countries like India and Republic of Ireland have strongly showed support of an independent Palestine, coexisting with Israel.[179][180]
There are a wide variety of views regarding the status of the State of Palestine, both among the states of the international community and among legal scholars.[181] The existence of a state of Palestine, although controversial,[182] is a reality in the opinions of the states that have established bilateral diplomatic relations.[183]
In August 2015, Palestine's representatives at the UN presented a draft resolution that would allow the non-member observer states Palestine and the Holy See to raise their flags at the United Nations headquarters. Initially, the Palestinians presented their initiative as a joint effort with the Holy See, which the Holy See denied.[184]
In a letter to the Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly, Israel's Ambassador at the UN Ron Prosor called the step "another cynical misuse of the UN ... in order to score political points".[185]
After the vote, which was passed by 119 votes to 8 with 45 countries abstaining,[186][187][188] the US Ambassador Samantha Power said that "raising the Palestinian flag will not bring Israelis and Palestinians any closer together".[189] US Department of State spokesman Mark Toner called it a "counterproductive" attempt to pursue statehood claims outside of a negotiated settlement.[190]
At the ceremony itself, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the occasion was a "day of pride for the Palestinian people around the world, a day of hope",[191] and declared "Now is the time to restore confidence by both Israelis and Palestinians for a peaceful settlement and, at last, the realization of two states for two peoples."[186]
poverty rate was 25.8%. According to a new World Bank report, Palestinian economic growth is expected to soften in 2023. Economy of Palestine relies heavily on international aids, remittances by overseas Palestinians and local industries.[196]
western powers sanctioned the government.[204] After Hamas seize power in Gaza, Israel and Egypt imposed blockade, where movement of goods inside the territory is controlled by Israel.[205] Since 2010, Palestine experienced a moderate economic boom.[206]
Palestinian economy relies heavily on donations and international aid from various sources, including
Gazans
experience additional difficulties as they are subjected to a siege, with Israel controlling the movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza. Nonetheless, there are limited business opportunities available in Gaza.
Contrastingly, the West Bank provides Palestinians with more diverse opportunities.[211] Some individuals own businesses in tourism-driven areas such as Bethlehem and Jerusalem, as tourism serves as a significant source of income.[212][213] Others engage in various types of enterprises in cities like Ramallah and Hebron, ranging from trading to construction and IT services.[214][215] Furthermore, approximately 100,000 Palestinians find employment in Israeli companies as low-cost labor, earning significantly less than the average Israeli worker.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing includes in Palestine includes various sectors such as
construction materials, furniture, and electronics.[216] Some notable products produced in Palestine included garments, olive oil, dairy products, furniture, ceramics, and construction materials.[217]
Before 2000 intifada, Palestine had a strong industrial base in Jerusalem and Gaza. Barriers erected in the West Bank have made difficult for movement of goods and blockade of Gaza Strip have severely affected the territory's economic condition.
Hebron is industrially most advanced city in the country, serves as an export hub for Palestinian products and is surrounded by minerals and quarries.
Oil and gas reserves are found in the territories of Palestine, which haven't proved yet.[222] But the presence of oil is confirmed beneath the lands of Palestine. According to a report by the UNCTAD, around 1,250 billion barrels of oil reserves exists in the occupied West Bank,[223]
Block-1 field, which spans an area of 432 square kilometers from North West Ramallah to Qalqilya in Palestine, has significant potential for recoverable hydrocarbon resources.[224][225] It is estimated to have a P90 (a level of certainty) of 30 million barrels of recoverable oil and 60 billion cubic feet of recoverable gas.[224] Recognizing the importance of oil and natural gas development for sustainable economic growth in Palestine, the Palestine Investment Fund, through Massader, has prepared an investment program for the development of the West Bank Oil Field, also known as the "Block 1 Field."[224] The estimated cost for the development of the field is $390 million, and it will be carried out under a production sharing agreement with the Government of Palestine.[224][226][227] Currently, an initial pre-exploration work program is underway to prepare for designing an exploration plan for approval, which will precede the full-fledged development of the field.[224]
Tourism in the territory claimed by the State of Palestine refers to tourism in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. In 2010, 4.6 million people visited the Palestinian territories, compared to 2.6 million in 2009. Of that number, 2.2 million were foreign tourists while 2.7 million were domestic.[228] Most tourists come for only a few hours or as part of a day trip itinerary. In the last quarter of 2012 over 150,000 guests stayed in West Bank hotels; 40% were European and 9% were from the United States and Canada.[229]Lonely Planet travel guide writes that "the West Bank is not the easiest place in which to travel but the effort is richly rewarded."[230]
Palestine is known as the "Silicon Valley of NGOs".[233] The high tech industry in Palestine, have experienced good growth since 2008.[234] The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and the Ministry of Telecom and Information Technology said there were 4.2 million cellular mobile subscribers in Palestine compared to 2.6 million at the end of 2010 while the number of ADSL subscribers in Palestine increased to about 363 thousand by the end of 2019 from 119 thousand over the same period.[234] 97% of Palestinian households have at least one cellular mobile line while at least one smartphone is owned by 86% of households (91% in the West Bank and 78% in Gaza Strip).[234] About 80% of the Palestinian households have access to the internet in their homes and about a third have a computer.[234]
On 12 June 2020, the World Bank approved a US$15 million grant for the Technology for Youth and Jobs (TechStart) Project aiming to help the Palestinian IT sector upgrade the capabilities of firms and create more high-quality jobs. Kanthan Shankar, World Bank Country Director for West Bank and Gaza said "The IT sector has the potential to make a strong contribution to economic growth. It can offer opportunities to Palestinian youth, who constitute 30% of the population and suffer from acute unemployment."[235]
The Palestine Monetary Authority has issued guidelines for the operation and provision of electronic payment services including e-wallet and prepaid cards.[236]Protocol on Economic Relations, also known as Paris Protocol was signed between the OLO and Israel, which prohibited Palestinian Authority from having its own currency. This agreement paved a way for the government to collect taxes.
Prior to 1994, the occupied Palestinian territories had limited banking options, with Palestinians avoiding
cash-based economy.[237] Currently, there are 14 banks operating in Palestine, including Palestinian, Jordanian, and Egyptian banks, compared to 21 in 2000.[237] The number of banks has decreased over time due to mergers and acquisitions.[237] Deposits in Palestinian banks have seen significant growth, increasing from US$1.2 billion in 2007 to US$6.9 billion in 2018, representing a 475% increase.[237] The banking sector has shown impressive annual growth rates in deposits and loan portfolios, surpassing global averages.[237]
The combined loan facilities provided by all banks on December 31, 2018, amounted to US$8.4 billion, marking a significant growth of 492 percent compared to US$1.42 billion in 2007.[237] Palestinian registered banks accounted for US$0.60 billion or 42 percent of total deposits in 2007, while in 2018, the loans extended by Palestinian registered banks reached US$5.02 billion, representing 61 percent of total loans.[237] This showcases a remarkable 737 percent increase between 2007 and 2018.[237] Currently, Palestinian registered banks hold 57 percent of customer deposits and provide 61 percent of the loans, compared to 26 percent of deposits and 42 percent of loans in 2007.[237]
Infrastructure
Transportation
Main article:
Gaza International Airport were destroyed by Israel in the early years of the second intifada.[238] Since then no any airport has been operational in the country. Palestinians used to travel through airports in Israel — Ben Gurion Airport and Ramon Airport and Queen Alia International Airport of Amman, capital of Jordan. Many proposals have been made by both the government and private entities to build airports in the country. In 2021, the most recent proposal was made by both the Palestinian government and Israeli government to redevelop Qalandia Airport as a binational airport for both Israelis and Palestinians.[239]
Water supply and sanitation in the Palestinian territories are characterized by severe water shortage and are highly influenced by the Israeli occupation. The water resources of Palestine are partially controlled by Israel due in part from historical and geographical complexities with Israel granting partial autonomy in 2017.
Generally, the water quality is considerably worse in the
Gaza War have caused severe damage to the infrastructure in the Gaza Strip.[243][244]
Concerning wastewater, the existing treatment plants do not have the capacity to treat all of the produced wastewater, causing severe water pollution.[245] The development of the sector highly depends on external financing.[246]
List of cities administered by Hamas Administration
According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS), as of 26 May 2021, the State of Palestine 2021 mid year population is 5,227,193.[10] Ala Owad, PCBS President, estimated a population of 5.3 million as of end year 2021.[247] Within an area of 6,020 square kilometres (2,320 sq mi), there is a population density of about 827 people per square kilometer.[119] To put this in a wider context, the average population density of the world was 25 people per square kilometre as of 2017.[248]
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MOH), as of 2017, there were 743 primary health care centers in Palestine (583 in the West Bank and 160 in Gaza), and 81 hospitals (51 in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and 30 in Gaza).[251]
Operating under the auspices of the
oPt. The Cluster is co-chaired by the MOH to ensure alignment with national policies and plans.[253]
The report of
WHO Director-General of 1 May 2019 describes health sector conditions in the oPt identifying strategic priorities and current obstacles to their achievement[254] pursuant to the country cooperation strategy for WHO and the Occupied Palestinian Territory 2017–2020.[255]
The literacy rate of Palestine was 96.3% according to a 2014 report by the United Nations Development Programme, which is high by international standards.[256] There is a gender difference in the population aged above 15 with 5.9% of women considered illiterate compared to 1.6% of men.[257] Illiteracy among women has fallen from 20.3% in 1997 to less than 6% in 2014.[257] In state of Palestine, Gaza Strip has the highest literacy rate According to a press blog of Columbia University, Palestinians are most educated refugees.[258]
The education system in Palestine encompasses both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, and it is administered by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.[259][260][261] Basic education in Palestine includes primary school (grades 1-4) and preparatory school (grades 5-10).[262] Secondary education consists of general secondary education (grades 11-12) and vocational education.[263] The curriculum includes subjects such as Arabic, English, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education. Islamic and Christian religious studies are also part of the curriculum as per the education ministry.[264]
The West Bank and Gaza together have fourteen universities, eighteen university colleges and twenty community colleges.
quality standards and was termed as "socially most responsible university in the Arab world".[272][273] In 2018, Birzeit University was ranked as one of the top 2.7% of universities worldwide by World University Rankings in its 2019 edition.[274]
The Basic Law formed by the Palestinian government, grants freedom of religion. The Basic Law states that Islam is the official religion but also calls for respect and sanctity for other divine religions. The majority of Palestinian Christians live around the cities of Bethlehem, Ramallah and Nablus.
Palestinian peoples are ethnically and linguistically considered part of Arab world. The culture of Palestine have made its heavy influence in religion, arts, literature, sports architecture and cinema.[280] The UNESCO have the recognized culture of Palestinian. Palestine Festival of Literature (PalFest) brings together Palestinian and international writers, musicians, and artists for a celebration of literature and culture.[281] Annual Palestine Cinema Days festival showcases Palestinian films and filmmakers.
Palestinian cultural expression often serves as a form of resistance against occupation and oppression. Street art, such as the work of Banksy in Bethlehem, and the annual Palestinian music and arts festival, Al-Mahatta, are examples of this cultural resistance.[282] The Old City of Jerusalem, with its religious sites like the Western Wall, the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, holds immense cultural and historical significance.[283] Other notable cultural sites include the ancient city of Jericho, the archaeological site of Sebastia, and the town of Bethlehem.[284][285][286][287]
Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006.[288] Palestinian cinema is based in Jerusalem, with centers of production also located in Ramallah, Bethlehem and Nablus.[289]
Documentary filmmaking has played a significant role in capturing and documenting the Palestinian experience. Films like "5 Broken Cameras" by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi have received critical acclaim for their powerful storytelling.[290] Palestinian filmmakers often face unique challenges due to the political situation. Many films are made under occupation, reflecting the struggles, aspirations, and resilience of the Palestinian people.[291] The Palestinian Film Festival, held annually in various cities around the world, showcases Palestinian cinema and provides a platform for Palestinian filmmakers to share their stories.[292] The festival often features works from established and emerging Palestinian directors.
Sports
Main article:
Sports in Palestine
Palestine has been participating in the Olympic Games since 1996, with athletes competing in various sports, including athletics, swimming, judo, and taekwondo.[293] Palestinian Olympians proudly represent their nation on the international stage. The country is a part of the International Olympic Committee. In addition to football, basketball, handball, and volleyball are also popular sports in Palestine. The Palestinian Basketball Federation and Palestinian Handball Federation oversee these sports' development and organization.[294]
foreign representative offices are located, while most countries maintain their embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv
.
^Before 2023, Gaza City was the largest city in the State of Palestine. Following attacks by Israel, a large amount of refugees from Gaza City and elsewhere in the Strip evacuated into the border city of Rafah, effectively making it the most populous city.
^Miskin, Maayana (5 December 2012). "PA Weighs 'State of Palestine' Passport". israelnationalnews.com. Arutz Sheva. Archived from the original on 7 December 2012. Retrieved 8 June 2014. A senior PA official revealed the plans in an interview with Al-Quds newspaper. The change to 'state' status is important because it shows that 'the state of Palestine is occupied,' he said.
(PDF) from the original on 15 December 2020. Retrieved 16 December 2020.
^According to Article 4 of the 1994 Paris Protocol, the State of Palestine has no official currency. The Protocol allows the Palestinian Authority to adopt multiple currencies. In the West Bank, the Israeli new sheqel and Jordanian dinar are widely accepted, while in the Gaza Strip the Israeli new sheqel and Egyptian pound are widely accepted.
). 7 November 2000 at 3 p.m. Retrieved 10 June 2014. "Moreover, we are confident that in the near future we will truly be able to join the international community, represented in the Organization as Palestine, the State that encompasses Bethlehem."
ISBN 978-0-19-829643-0. "The Palestinian National Council also empowered the central council to form a government-in-exile when appropriate, and the executive committee
to perform the functions of government until such time as a government-in-exile was established."
(PDF) on 15 August 2011. Retrieved 15 June 2014. Presidente del Estado de Palestina [President of the State of Palestine].
MIFTAH
). Retrieved 12 August 2017. "'I announce that the PLO Central Council has elected Mahmud Abbas president of the State of Palestine. He takes on this role from this day, November 23, 2008,' the body's chairman Salem al-Zaanun told reporters."
^"Palestinian National Council (PNC)". European Institute for Research on Mediterranean and Euro-Arab Cooperation. Medea Institute. Archived from the original on 6 August 2011. Retrieved 16 June 2014. The Palestinian National Council (PNC), Parliament in exile of the Palestinian people, is the most important institution of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO). The PNC elects the Executive Committee of the organization which makes up the leadership between sessions.
ISBN 978-0-19-829643-0. "The Palestinian National Council also empowered the central council to form a government-in-exile when appropriate, and the executive committee
to perform the functions of government until such time as a government-in-exile was established."
^"Q. and A. on Palestinian Statehood". NYT. 5 January 2015. Archived from the original on 10 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022. Q. Does Palestine meet that legal definition [Montevideo Convention]? A.Many experts say that it does, though there is considerable complexity surrounding the particular criteria. & Q. What about recognition? A.The Palestinian leadership has been trying for years to garner as much international recognition as possible, hoping to achieve a diplomatic critical mass that would force the hand of Israel and the United States. By November 2012, when the United Nations General Assembly voted to upgrade Palestine's status to that of a nonmember observer state, 132 of the 198 members of the United Nations recognized Palestinian statehood. Several more have done so since then.
. It would be difficult to deny that the recognition of Palestine by over two-thirds of the member states of the United Nations (72 per cent of members), its membership of seventeen international organizations, three international courts and its accession to many major multilateral treaties, in pursuit of Palestinian self-determination, means that Palestine is a state under international law even though its territory continues to be occupied – illegally – by the Government of Israel
^DAOUDI Hanna, KHALIDI Raja, « The Palestinian War-Torn Economy : Aid, Development and State Formation », A contrario, 2008/1 (Vol. 5), p. 23-36. DOI : 10.3917/aco.052.0023. URL : https://www.cairn.info/revue-a-contrario-2008-1-page-23.htm
^Newman, Rachel Wilson, Mark Oliver, Alexandra (18 October 2023). "Gaza's limited water access, mapped". CNN. Archived from the original on 18 October 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^"جريدة القدس". www.alquds.com. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
^ ab"Education (2014)"(PDF). United Nations Development Programme. United Nations. Archived(PDF) from the original on 11 March 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2017.
^"About Palestine >> Culture". palestine-australia.com. Embassy of the State of Palestine (The General Delegation of Palestine to Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific). Archived from the original on 11 October 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023. The most popular sport in Palestine is football
^[httpss://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2008-10-19/others/palestine-to-play-first-match-in-home-stadium-214806/ "Palestine To play first match in home stadium - The Malta Independent"]. www.independent.com.mt. Retrieved 21 February 2024.