Palestine is in the midst of change, controversy, and war a lot. The history of this country, people and more is filled with twists and turns. However, Palestine is a place that has existed for a long time.
Sadly, and with great misfortune, Palestinian people have a long history of migration. There is a great conflict that is hugely affecting Palestine and Israel and perhaps the whole Middle East region.
There had always been a shared group of people within these areas that respected each other. However, what is known is that Palestine has existed in this area for many hundreds of years. And the struggle of its existence, culture and people is real.
Lastly, today there is even the struggle of Jerusalem, which is claimed by two peoples: Israelis and Palestinians. Let’s learn more Palestine facts below:
The Word Palestine has various word origins from Egypt to even Ancient Greece.
The claim on the word Palestine is even controversial and debatable. Some historians and scholars have claimed the word Palestine has relation to the Egyptian and Hebrew word peleshet.
While others claim the word Palestine derives from the Greek word, Philistia. Moreover, the history of Palestine really starts to take hold from Ancient Greek writers’ descriptions of today’s Middle East region in the 12th century B.C.
Moreover, the word Palestine comes from the Latin word Palestina. This is the name of a Roman province. Historically, the country of the Philistines had extended under Roman rule to the entirety of Judea and onward to Samaria and Galilee.
Historically, around the time of the fall of the Ottoman Empire things changed for Palestine. For today, Palestine was generally referred to as the geographic region located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River.
back to menu ↑
Palestine has a large part in the history and formation of the Middle East as we know today
The history of Palestine begins in a time of great importance. The region of Palestine and what we call Israel was what is the earliest in the world to see human life at all. Palestine has a special deep to the core of many Muslim and Middle Easterners as well.
Moreover, there is great importance to Palestine in history because of agricultural communities and biblical importance. And, as well civilization in general for the development of what would be Middle Eastern and Arab culture as well Jewish and eventually Israel. Palestine links to the life and culture of the world as we know it as Christians and proximity to the first cities of the world. Historically, in the Bronze Age, the people in this area of Palestine were called the Canaanites, and they started independent city-states that are today what is Palestine.
During the Iron Age, the area of what is Palestine included two related Israelite kingdoms. And, as well, eventually Israel and Judah, which controlled much of Palestine. And, again while the Philistines occupied its southern coast.
Lastly, Palestine these days is what is a fairly small region of land. But, the significance and importance of Palestine is that it played a primary role in the ancient and modern history of the Middle East.
back to menu ↑
Palestine is the birthplace of Christianity
This may not be very well known but historically the initial and beginning point of Christianity is Palestine Israel. Christianity originated in the city of Jerusalem in what is today known as Israel. Therefore, because of the historical occupations and conquests, Palestine is the birthplace of Christianity. When we speak of the timeline for Palestine, Christianity started around 2000 years ago in Judea, in what is today present-day Israel and Palestine.
However, the Palestinian Christian population is disappearing at an alarming rate.
Today, sadly, there is a diminishing population of Christians in Palestine. However, there has always been a noticeable and existing Christian Population in Palestine. Throughout history, the Christian population of the Palestinian territories has gone down. For instance, the Christian population has declined from 15 percent in 1950 to less than 2 percent in 2023.
back to menu ↑
Palestine has a great natural wonder called the Dead Sea
Palestine has a history with a beautiful natural wonder. What is the most special feature of this sea is fascinating. Because the Dead Sea is Earth’s lowest natural point of elevation. Many do not realize that it is found in Palestine.
The terrain of the West Bank is quite challenging as well. The ground or soil is mostly rugged. There is a dissected upland area, with an area of vegetation in the west. Moreover, the land itself is quite barren in certain areas.
The elevation span reaches from a low on the northern shore of the Dead Sea at 429 m (1,407 ft) below sea level, to the highest point at Mount Nabi Yunis at 1,030 m (3,380 ft) above sea level. The area of the West Bank is landlocked; the highlands are the main recharge area for Israel’s coastal aquifers.
Historically, Palestine had the Potash Company, which operated and supplied Britain materials during World War II.
back to menu ↑
The Total Population of Palestine is almost as large as Palestinians living around the world
Because of war, instability, and multiple challenges the population of Palestinians outside what is Palestine is almost as large as what is Palestine. The areas counted as Palestine today constitute the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Overall, the Palestinian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is about five million. In particular, there are now two million in the Gaza Strip and as well 2.9 million in the West Bank.
According to the Palestinian authority, keeper of Statistics, the total population of Palestinians globally is around 10 million. Many of these Palestinians live outside the area of Israel Palestine in the following countries: Jordan has around 3 million Palestinians. As well, Israel has about 1.8 million excluding Gaza and the West Bank. Surprisingly, Chile has over 500,000 Palestinians. In Chile, the population is the largest Palestinian population outside the Middle East.
back to menu ↑
Almost the entire world and United Nations recognizes Palestine as a Country
Many countries acknowledge Palestine but not all do. Now, the question is whether each side acknowledges each other. Palestine as a territory and country is certain for sure.
The controversy about Palestine exists on many fronts. The biggest controversy and problem comes from the history of the conflict. This problem really began with Israel around 1948 and was very intense in the Arab–Israeli War.
Why did this happen? It was an issue that began with the conflict and battles during the 6 months of civil war between what would be Jewish and Palestinian and Arab militias. Also, these were also general conflicts.
Today, in 2023, more than 135 United Nations member countries recognize Palestine. This is recognition of Palestine as an independent state. However, the issue is not so easy in particular. Why? Because not all countries acknowledge what is going on with Palestine, especially Israel and just a few other countries. The big issues it that the countries not aknowledging including the United States, don’t make this distinction about Palestine as a state and country.
back to menu ↑
Regional instability and Conflict has always affected Palestine
In general, a lot of the history of Palestine has been greatly affected by continual political conflict. And, as well violent land seizures. Palestine has had some unusual humanitarian challenges that many countries do not experience to such degrees.
The main issue since 1948 and the creation of Israel, is there a land seizure or land dispute that is one sided or should there be compromise. The differences are more and due to several major world religions, language and so much more.
Today in 2023, as with the troubles arising now Palestine is located at a geographic crossroads between Africa and Asia. For example, Arabs in the area call this territory home and want to be known as Palestinians. Moreover, the people of Palestine have a strong and passionate desire to establish a free and independent state. Unfortunately, with the recent hostage situation and attacks, the war buildup and tension is worse than ever.
back to menu ↑
Olives are central to the culture and identity of Palestine
Olives are a staple and important part of the Middle East and especially Palestine. For example, there is a lot that Palestine creates involving olives.
In Palestine, for many centuries, olives have been vital. In particular, Olives have been a primary part of Palestinian life, culture, and tradition for a long time. There are a lot of products even sold outside Palestine that give Palestine an identity cherished.
Olive trees are clearly an agricultural crop in all of the Palestinian territories from Gaza to the West Bank. In summary, nearly 50% of land in the country is set aside to olive trees. Moreover, olives have a spiritual place in Palestine and so are highly regarded and treasured for Palestines and their identity.
back to menu ↑
When Israel began in 1948 the conflict with Palestine entered a critical phase
In fact, Palestine has existed on maps since Roman times. But, the ongoing problems with Palestine have taken shape over many hundreds of years. However, it was when the mandate period in Palestine was ending and turned into a regular war that things entered a critical phase for Palestine.. In 1948 this shared responsibility ended quickly when Israel was founded.
There was a lot of struggle thereafter. Because the establishment and beginning of Israel created a near constant war situation especially for the Palestinians. Also, what accelerated this tension and danger was the intervention of several Arab armies.
Soon enough, there was a calming of violence and confrontations between Palestinians and Israelis when a set of agreements were signed between Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The armed conflict between these countries led to a near state of war because of the situation of a battered and conquered Palestine.
Finally, it was the 1949 Armistice Agreements that established the armistice lines that drew out where Israel and adjacent countries were. This became known as the Green Line. LAstly, this developed into another conflict when Israel declared Jerusalem “complete and united.”
back to menu ↑
Jerusalem is the controversial capital for Palestinians and Israelis that is a source of great conflict
This sacred capital has a lot of history for Christianity and Judaism. It is Jerusalem that is the birthplace of Christianity some 2000 years ago. Today, Jerusalem is claimed by two peoples, Israelis and Palestinians.
Today, Muslims and Christians have lived in Jerusalem since the 7th century, but despite this tensions are worse than ever. As well, historically Jerusalem is where some of the holiest places in Islam and Christianity are located. This city has Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre
For many years, Jerusalem’s status has been among the most controversial and contested issues of the Israeli Palestinian conflict and disagreement. There is a tremendous amount of pressure put on Israel now because Palestinians want to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque, but keep getting bothered.
Jerusalem is home to hundreds of thousands of people who belong to either group, Israel or Palestine. So, as an Israeli or Palestinian, the differences have not been resolved. Why? Because both Israelis and Palestinians demand the historic city to be the capital.
