This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2024) |
State of Palestine | |
|---|---|
 Flag  Coat of arms | |
| Anthem: فدائي Fidāʾī | |
  Occupied Palestinian territories (green) Territory annexed by Israel (light green) | |
| Status | UN observer state under Israeli occupation Recognized by 146 UN member states |
|
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| Largest city | Gaza City (before 2023), currently in flux |
| Official languages | Arabic |
| Ethnic groups | Palestinian Arabs |
| Religion (2017) |
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| Demonym(s) | Palestinian |
| Government | Unitary provisional semi-presidential republic |
• President | Mahmoud Abbas |
• Prime Minister | Mohammad Mustafa |
• Speaker of the Parliament | Aziz Dweik |
| Legislature | National Council |
| Formation | |
• Declaration of Independence | 15 November 1988 |
• UNGA observer state resolution | 29 November 2012 |
• Sovereignty dispute with Israel | Ongoing |
| Area | |
• Total | 6,020 km2 (2,320 sq mi) (163rd) |
• Water (%) | 3.5 |
• West Bank | 5,655 km2 |
• Gaza Strip | 365 km2 |
| Population | |
• 2023 estimate | 5,483,450 (121st) |
• Density | 731/km2 (1,893.3/sq mi) |
| GDP (PPP) | 2023 estimate |
• Total |  $36.391 billion (138th) |
• Per capita | $6,642 (140th) |
| GDP (nominal) | 2021 estimate |
• Total | $18.109 billion (121st) |
• Per capita | $3,464 (131st) |
| Gini (2016) |  33.7medium inequality |
| HDI (2022) |  0.716high (111th) |
| Currency |
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| Time zone | UTC+2 (Palestine Standard Time) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (Palestine Summer Time) |
| Date format | dd/mm/yyyy |
| Drives on | Right |
| Calling code | +970 |
| ISO 3166 code | PS |
| Internet TLD | .ps |
Palestine, officially the State of Palestine, is a country in the Southern Levant region of West Asia recognized by 146 out of 193 UN member states. It encompasses the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, collectively known as the occupied Palestinian territories, within the broader geographic and historical Palestine region. Palestine shares most of its borders with Israel, and it borders Jordan to the east and Egypt to the southwest. It has a total land area of 6,020 square kilometres (2,320 sq mi) while its population exceeds five million people. Its proclaimed capital is Jerusalem, while Ramallah serves as its administrative center. Gaza City was its largest city prior to evacuations in 2023.
Situated at a continental crossroad, the region of Palestine was ruled by various empires and experienced various demographic changes from antiquity to the modern era. Being a bridge between Asia and Africa, it was treading ground for the Nile and Mesopotamian armies and merchants from North Africa, China and India. The region is known for its religious significance. The ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict dates back to the rise of the Zionist movement, supported by the United Kingdom during World War I. The war saw Britain occupying Palestine from the Ottoman Empire, where it set up Mandatory Palestine under the auspices of the League of Nations. During this period, large-scale Jewish immigration allowed by the British authorities led to increased tensions and violence with the local Palestinian Arab population. In 1947, Britain handed the issue to the United Nations, which proposed a partition plan, for two independent Arab and Jewish states and an independent entity for Jerusalem, but a civil war broke out, and the plan was not implemented.
The 1948 Palestine war saw the forcible displacement of most of its predominantly Arab population, and consequently the establishment of Israel, in what Palestinians call the Nakba ("catastrophe"). In the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, which had been held by Jordan and Egypt respectively. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) declared independence in 1988. In 1993, the PLO signed the Oslo peace accords with Israel, creating limited PLO governance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip through the Palestinian Authority (PA). Israel withdrew from Gaza in its unilateral disengagement in 2005, but the territory is still considered to be under military occupation and has been blockaded by Israel. In 2007, internal divisions between political factions led to a takeover of Gaza by Hamas. Since then, the West Bank has been governed in part by the Fatah-led PA, while the Gaza Strip has remained under the control of Hamas. Israel has constructed large settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967, which currently house more than 670,000 Israeli settlers, and which are illegal under international law, which are illegal under international law. Attacks by Hamas-led armed groups in October 2023 in Israel were followed by the Israel–Hamas war, which has caused widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis throughout the Gaza Strip, including the displacement of nearly all of its population. While no consensus exists, Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war are sometimes described as a genocide.
Some of the challenges to Palestine include ineffective government, Israeli occupation, a blockade, restrictions on movement, Israeli settlements and settler violence, as well as an overall poor security situation. The questions of Palestine's borders, the legal and diplomatic status of Jerusalem, and the right of return of Palestinian refugees remain unsolved. Despite these challenges, the country maintains an emerging economy and sees frequent tourism. Arabic is the official language of the country. While the majority of Palestinians practice Islam, Christianity also has a presence. Palestine is also a member of several international organizations, including the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. It has been a non-member observer state of the United Nations since 2012.[excessive citations]
Etymology
The term "Palestine" (in Latin, Palæstina) comes via ancient Greek from a Semitic toponym for the general area dating back to the late second millennium BCE, a reflex of which is also to be found in the Biblical ethnonym Philistines. The term "Palestine" has been used to refer to the area at the southeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea beside Syria. In the 5th century BCE, in his work The Histories Herodotus used the term to describe a "district of Syria, called Palaistine" in which Phoenicians interacted with other maritime peoples.
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. Palestine can, depending on contexts, be referred to as a country or a state, and its authorities can generally be identified as the Government of Palestine.
History
From prehistory to the Ottoman era
Situated between three continents, the region of Palestine has a tumultuous history as a crossroads for religion, culture, commerce, and politics. The region was among the earliest to see human habitation, agricultural communities and civilization. In the Bronze Age, the Canaanites established city-states influenced by surrounding civilizations, among them Egypt, which ruled the area in the Late Bronze Age. During the Iron Age, two related Israelite kingdoms, Israel and Judah, controlled much of Palestine, while the Philistines occupied its southern coast. The Assyrians conquered the region in the 8th century BCE, then the Babylonians in c. 601 BCE, followed by the Persians who conquered the Babylonian Empire in 539 BCE. Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire in the late 330s BCE, beginning Hellenization.
In the late 2nd century BCE, the Jewish Hasmonean Kingdom conquered most of Palestine, but the kingdom became a vassal of Rome, which annexed it in 63 BCE. Roman Judea was troubled by Jewish revolts in 66 CE, so Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Jewish Temple in 70 CE. In the 4th century, as the Roman Empire transitioned to Christianity, Palestine became a center for the religion, attracting pilgrims, monks and scholars. Following Muslim conquest of the Levant in 636–641, ruling dynasties succeeded each other: the Rashiduns; Umayyads, Abbasids; the semi-independent Tulunids and Ikhshidids; Fatimids; and the Seljuks. In 1099, the Crusaders established the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which the Ayyubid Sultanate reconquered in 1187. Following the invasion of the Mongol Empire in the late 1250s, the Egyptian Mamluks reunified Palestine under its control, before the Ottoman Empire conquered the region in 1516 and ruled it as Ottoman Syria to the 20th century, largely undisrupted.Rise of Palestinian nationalism
Though Palestinian elites, in particular urban notable families who worked within the Ottoman bureaucracy, generally retained their loyalty to the Ottomans, they also played a significant role proportionately in the rise of Arab nationalism, and the Pan-Arabic movements that arose in response to both the emergence of the Young Turks movement and the subsequent weakening of Ottoman power in World War 1. The onset of the Zionist movement, which sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, also exercised a strong influence on Palestinian national consciousness. Abdul Hamid, the last sultan of the Ottoman Empire, opposed the Zionist movement's efforts in Palestine. The end of the Ottoman Empire's rule in Palestine coincided with the conclusion of World War I. The failure of Emir Faisal to establish a Greater Syria in the face of French and British colonial claims to the area, also shaped Palestinian elites' efforts to secure local autonomy. In the aftermath of the war Palestine came under British control with the implementation of the British Mandate for Palestine in 1920.
British Mandate
The defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I resulted in the dismantling of their rule. In 1920, the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine, leading to the subsequent period of British administration. In 1917, Jerusalem was captured by British forces led by General Allenby, marking the end of Ottoman rule in the city. By 1920, tensions escalated between Jewish and Arab communities, resulting in violent clashes and riots across Palestine. The League of Nations approved the British Mandate for Palestine in 1922, entrusting Britain with the administration of the region. Throughout the 1920s, Palestine experienced growing resistance from both Jewish and Arab nationalist movements, which manifested in sporadic violence and protests against British policies. In 1929, violent riots erupted in Palestine due to disputes over Jewish immigration and access to the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The 1930s witnessed the outbreak of the Arab Revolt, as Arab nationalists demanded an end to Jewish immigration and the establishment of an independent Arab state. In response to the Arab Revolt, the British deployed military forces and implemented stringent security measures in an effort to quell the uprising.
Arab nationalist groups, led by the Arab Higher Committee, called for an end to Jewish immigration and land sales to Jews. The issuance of the 1939 White Paper by the British government aimed to address escalating tensions between Arabs and Jews in Palestine. This policy document imposed restrictions on Jewish immigration and land purchases, with the intention to limit the establishment of a Jewish state. Met with strong opposition from the Zionist movement, the White Paper was perceived as a betrayal of the Balfour Declaration and Zionist aspirations for a Jewish homeland. In response to the White Paper, the Zionist community in Palestine organized a strike in 1939, rallying against the restrictions on Jewish immigration and land acquisition. This anti-White Paper strike involved demonstrations, civil disobedience, and a shutdown of businesses. Supported by various Zionist organizations, including the Jewish Agency and the Histadrut (General Federation of Jewish Labor), the anti-White Paper strike aimed to protest and challenge the limitations imposed by the British government.
In the late 1930s and 1940s, several Zionist militant groups, including the Irgun, Hagana, and Lehi, carried out acts of violence against British military and civilian targets in their pursuit of an independent Jewish state. While the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, Haj Amin al-Husseini, collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II, not all Muslims supported his actions, and there were instances where Muslims helped rescue Jews during the Holocaust.[failed verification][opinion] In 1946, a bombing orchestrated by the Irgun at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem resulted in the deaths of 91 people, including British officials, civilians, and hotel staff.Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir, who later became political leaders in the state of Israel, were behind these terrorist attacks. The Exodus 1947 incident unfolded when a ship carrying Jewish Holocaust survivors, who sought refuge in Palestine, was intercepted by the British navy, leading to clashes and the eventual deportation of the refugees back to Europe. During World War II, Palestine served as a strategically significant location for British military operations against Axis forces in North Africa. In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan for Palestine, suggesting separate Jewish and Arab states, but it was rejected by Arab nations while accepted by Jewish leaders.
Arab–Israeli wars
In 1947, the UN adopted a partition plan for a two-state solution in the remaining territory of the mandate. The plan was accepted by the Jewish leadership but rejected by the Arab leaders, and Britain refused to implement the plan. On the eve of final British withdrawal, the Jewish Agency for Israel, headed by David Ben-Gurion, declared the establishment of the 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.
In 1964, when the West Bank was controlled by Jordan, the Palestine Liberation Organization was established there with the goal to confront Israel. The Palestinian National Charter of the PLO defines the boundaries of Palestine as the whole remaining territory of the mandate, including Israel. The Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel fought against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, ended with Israel occupying the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, besides other territories.[better source needed] Following the Six-Day War, the PLO moved to Jordan, but relocated to Lebanon in 1971.[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". 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. Through the Camp David Accords of 1979, Egypt signaled an end to any claim of its own over the Gaza Strip. In July 1988, Jordan ceded its claims to the West Bank—with the exception of guardianship over Haram al-Sharif—to the PLO.
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.
Uprising, declaration and peace treaty
The First Intifada broke out in 1987, characterized by widespread protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank against Israeli occupation. In November 1988, the PLO legislature, while in exile, declared the establishment of the "State of Palestine". In the month following, it was quickly recognized 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. 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. In spite of this decision, the PLO did not participate at the UN in its capacity of the State of Palestine's government. Violent clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces intensified throughout 1989, resulting in a significant loss of life and escalating tensions in the occupied territories. 1990 witnessed the imposition of strict measures by the Israeli government, including curfews and closures, in an attempt to suppress the Intifada and maintain control over the occupied territories.
The 1990–1991 Gulf War brought increased attention to the conflict, leading to heightened diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution.Saddam Hussein was a supporter of Palestinian cause and won support from Arafat during the war. Following the invasion of Kuwait, Saddam surprised the international community by presenting a peace offer to Israel and withdrawing Iraqi forces from Kuwait, in exchange of withdrawal from the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem and Golan Heights. Though the peace offer was rejected, Saddam then ordered firing of scud missiles into Israeli territory. This movement was supported by Palestinians. The war also led to the expulsion of Palestinians from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, as their government supported Iraq.
In 1993, the Oslo Accords were signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), leading to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and a potential path to peace. Yasser Arafat was elected as president of the newly formed Palestinian Authority in 1994, marking a significant step towards self-governance.
Israel acknowledged the PLO negotiating team as "representing the Palestinian people", in return for the PLO recognizing Israel's right to exist in peace, acceptance of UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338, and its rejection of "violence and terrorism". As a result, in 1994 the PLO established the Palestinian National Authority (PNA or PA) territorial administration, that exercises some governmental functions in parts of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. As envisioned in the Oslo Accords, Israel allowed the PLO to establish interim administrative institutions in the Palestinian territories, which came in the form of the PNA. It was given civilian control in Area B and civilian and security control in Area A, and remained without involvement in Area C.
The peace process gained opposition from both Palestinians and Israelis. Islamist militant organizations such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad opposed the attack and responded by conducting attacks on civilians across Israel. In 1994, Baruch Goldstein, an Israeli extremist shot 29 people to death in Hebron, known as the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre. These events led an increase in Palestinian opposition to the peace process. Tragically, in 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by Yigal Amir – an extremist, causing political instability in the region.
The first-ever Palestinian general elections took place in 1996, resulting in Arafat's re-election as president and the formation of a Palestinian Legislative Council. Initiating the implementation of the Oslo Accords, Israel began redeploying its forces from select Palestinian cities in the West Bank in 1997. Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority continued, albeit with slow progress and contentious debates on Jerusalem, settlements, and refugees in 1998. In 1997, Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu and the Palestinian government signed the Hebron Protocol, which outlined the redeployment of Israeli forces from parts of Hebron in the West Bank, granting the government greater control over the city. Israel and the Palestinian government signed the Wye River Memorandum in 1998, aiming to advance the implementation of the Oslo Accords. The agreement included provisions for Israeli withdrawals and security cooperation.
The period of the Oslo Years brought a great prosperity to the government-controlled areas, despite some economic issues. The Palestinian Authority built the country's second airport in Gaza, after the Jerusalem International Airport. Inaugural ceremony of the airport was attended by Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela. In 1999, Ehud Barak assumed the position of Israeli Prime Minister, renewing efforts to reach a final status agreement with the Palestinians. The Camp David Summit in 2000 aimed to resolve the remaining issues but concluded without a comprehensive agreement, serving as a milestone in the peace process.
Second intifada and civil war
A peace summit between Yasser Arafat and Ehud Barak was mediated by Bill Clinton in 2000. It was supposed to be the final agreement ending conflict officially forever. However the agreement failed to address the Palestinian refugee issues, status of Jerusalem and Israeli security concerns. Both sides blamed each other for the summit failures. This became one of the main triggers for the uprising that would happen next. In September 2000, then opposition leader from the Likud Party, Ariel Sharon, made a proactive visit to the Temple Mount and delivered a controversial speech, which angered Palestinian Jerusalemites. The tensions escalated into riots. Bloody clashes took place around Jerusalem. Escalating violence resulted in the closure of Jerusalem Airport, which haven't operated till date. More and more riots between Jews and Arabs took place in October 2000 in Israel.
In the same month, two Israeli soldiers were lynched and killed in Ramallah. Between November and December clashes between Palestinians and Israelis increased further. In 2001 Taba summit was held between Israel and Palestine. But the summit failed to implement and Ariel Sharon became prime minister in the 2001 elections. By 2001, attacks from Palestinian militant groups towards Israel increased.Gaza Airport was destroyed in an airstrike by the Israeli army in 2001, claiming itself in retaliation to previous attacks by Hamas. In January 2002, the IDF Shayetet 13 naval commandos captured the Karine A, a freighter carrying weapons from Iran towards Israel.UNSC Resolution 1397 was passed, which reaffirmed a two-state solution and laid the groundwork for a road map for peace.Another attack by Hamas left 30 people killed in Netanya. A peace summit was organized by the Arab League in Beirut, which was endorsed by Arafat and nearly ignored by Israel.
In 2002, Israel launched Operation Defensive Shield after the Passover massacre. Heavy fighting between IDF and Palestinian fighters took place in Jenin. The Church of the Nativity was besieged by the IDF for one week until successful negotiations took place, which resulted in withdrawal of the Israeli troops from the church. Between 2003 and 2004, people from Qawasameh tribe in Hebron were either killed or blew themselves in suicide bombing. Ariel Sharon ordered construction of barriers across Palestinian-controlled areas and Israeli settlements in the West Bank to prevent future attacks. Saddam Hussein provided financial support to Palestinian militants from Iraq during the intifada period, from 2000 until his overthrow in 2003. A peace proposal was made in 2003, which was supported by Arafat and rejected by Sharon. In 2004 Hamas's leader and co-founder Ahmed Yassin was assassinated by the Israeli army in Gaza. Yasser Arafat was confined to his headquarters in Ramallah. On 11 November, Yasser Arafat died in Paris.
In the first week of 2005, Mahmoud Abbas was elected as the president of the State of Palestine. In 2005, Israel completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip by destroying its settlements over there. By 2005, the situation began de-escalating. In 2006, Hamas won in Palestinian legislative elections. This led to a political standoff with Fatah. Armed clashes took place across both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The clashes turned into a civil war, which ended in bloody clashes on the Gaza Strip. As a result, Hamas gained control over all the territory of Gaza. Hundreds of people were killed in the civil war, including militants and civilians. Since then Hamas has gained more independence in its military practices. Since 2007, Israel has been leading a partial blockade on Gaza. Another peace summit was organized by the Arab League in 2007, with the same offer which was presented at the 2002 summit. However the peace process could not progress. The PNA gained full control of the Gaza Strip with the exception of its borders, airspace, and territorial waters.
Continued conflict
The division between the West Bank and Gaza complicated efforts to achieve Palestinian unity and negotiate a comprehensive peace agreement with Israel. Multiple rounds of reconciliation talks were held, but no lasting agreement was reached. The division also hindered the establishment of a unified Palestinian state and led to different governance structures and policies in the two territories.
Throughout this period, there were sporadic outbreaks of violence and tensions between Palestinians and Israelis. Since 2001, Incidents of rocket attacks from Gaza into Israeli territory and Israeli military operations in response often resulted in casualties and further strained the situation. Following the inter-Palestinian conflict in 2006, Hamas took over control of the Gaza Strip (it already had majority in the PLC), and Fatah took control of the West Bank. From 2007, the Gaza Strip was governed by Hamas, and the West Bank by the Fatah party led Palestinian Authority.
International efforts to revive the peace process continued. The United States, under the leadership of different administrations, made various attempts to broker negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
However, significant obstacles such as settlement expansion, the status of Jerusalem, borders, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees, remained unresolved.[excessive citations] In recent years, diplomatic initiatives have emerged, including the normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states, known as the Abraham Accords. These agreements, while not directly addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have reshaped regional dynamics and raised questions about the future of Palestinian aspirations for statehood. The status quo remains challenging for Palestinians, with ongoing issues of occupation, settlement expansion, restricted movement, and economic hardships.
The most recent outbreak of violence in the region is the Israel-Hamas war (2023–present), involving fighting between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian forces in the Gaza Strip, with a simultaneous spillover of the war occurring in the West Bank.
Geography
Areas claimed by the country, known as the Palestinian territories, lie in the Southern Levant of the Middle East region. Palestine is part of the Fertile Crescent, along with Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Syria. The Gaza Strip borders the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Egypt to the south, and Israel to the north and east. The West Bank is bordered by Jordan to the east, and Israel to the north, south, and west. Palestine shares its maritime borders with Israel, Egypt and Cyprus. Thus, the two enclaves constituting the area claimed by the State of Palestine have no geographical border with one another, being separated by Israel. These areas would constitute the world's 163rd largest country by land area.[better source needed]
The West Bank is a mountainous region. It is divided in three regions, namely the Mount Nablus (Jabal Nablus), the Hebron Hills and Jerusalem Mountains (Jibal al–Quds). The Samarian Hills and Judean Hills are mountain ranges in the West Bank, with Mount Nabi Yunis at a height of 1,030 metres (3,380 ft) in Hebron Governorate as their highest peak. Until 19th century, Hebron was highest city in the Middle East. While Jerusalem is located on a plateau in the central highlands and is surrounded by valleys. The territory consists of fertile valleys, such as the Jezreel Valley and the Jordan River Valley. Palestine is home to world's largest olive tree, located in Jerusalem. Around 45% of Palestine's land is dedicated to growing olive trees.
Palestine features significant lakes and rivers that play a vital role in its geography and ecosystems. The Jordan River flows southward, forming part of Palestine's eastern border and passing through the Sea of Galilee before reaching the Dead Sea. According to Christian traditions, it is site of the baptism of Jesus. The Dead Sea, bordering the country's east is the lowest point on the earth.Jericho, located nearby, is the lowest city in the world. Villages and suburban areas around Jerusalem are home to ancient water bodies. There are several river valleys (wadi) across the country. These waterways provide essential resources for agriculture and recreation while supporting various ecosystems.
Three terrestrial ecoregions are found in the area: Eastern Mediterranean conifer–sclerophyllous–broadleaf forests, Arabian Desert, and Mesopotamian shrub desert. Palestine has a number of environmental issues; issues facing the Gaza Strip include desertification; salination of fresh water; sewage treatment; water-borne diseases; 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.
Climate
Temperatures in Palestine vary widely. The climate in the West Bank is mostly Mediterranean, slightly cooler at elevated areas compared with the shoreline, west to the area. In the east, the West Bank includes much of the Judean Desert including the western shoreline of the Dead Sea, characterised by dry and hot climate. Gaza has a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSh) with mild winters and dry hot summers. 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).
Biodiversity
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. Efforts have been made to protect the biodiversity and natural beauty of the area. The Judaean Desert is popular for "Judaean Camels". Qalqilya Zoo in Qalqilya Governorate, is the only zoo currently active in the country. Gaza Zoo was closed due to poor conditions. Israeli government have built various national parks in the Area C, which is also considered illegal under international law.
Government and politics
Mahmoud Abbas
Mohammad Mustafa
Palestine operates a semi-presidential system of government. The country consists of the institutions that are associated with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which includes the President of the State of Palestine, who is appointed by the Palestinian Central Council, the Palestinian National Council, and the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, which performs the functions of a government in exile,[excessive citations] maintaining an extensive foreign-relations network. The PLO is combination of several political parties.
These should be distinguished from the President of the Palestinian National Authority, Palestinian Legislative Council, and PNA Cabinet, all of which are instead associated with the Palestinian National Authority (PNA). Palestine's founding document is the Palestinian Declaration of Independence, which should be distinguished from the unrelated PLO Palestinian National Covenant and PNA Palestine Basic Law.
The Palestinian government is divided into two geographic entities – the Palestinian Authority governed by Fatah, which has partial control over the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, which is under control of the militant group Hamas.Fatah is a secular party that was founded by Yasser Arafat and enjoys relatively good relations with the western powers. On the other hand, Hamas is a militant group based on Palestinian nationalist and Islamic ideology, inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood. Hamas has tense relations with the United States, but receives support from Iran. Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine is another popular secular party, which was founded by George Habash. Mahmoud Abbas is the president of the country since 2005.Mohammad Shtayyeh was the prime minister of Palestine, who resigned in 2024. In 2024, Mohammad Mustafa was appointed as the new prime minister of the country, after resigning of Shtayyeh.Yahya Sinwar was leader of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip before his death on 16 October 2024. According to Freedom House, the PNA governs Palestine in an authoritarian manner, including by repressing activists and journalists critical of the government.
Jerusalem including Haram ash-Sharif, 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.Muqata hosts state ministries and representative office. In 2000, a government building was built in Jerusalem suburb of Abu Dis, to house office of Yasser Arafat and Palestinian parliament. Since second intifada, condition of the town made this site unsuitable to operate as a capital, either temporarily or permanently. Nevertheless, the Palestinian entity have maintained their presence in the city. As few parts of the city is also under Palestinian control and many some countries have their consulates in Jerusalem.
Administrative divisions
The State of Palestine is divided into sixteen administrative divisions. 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. Area B forms 22% of the West Bank, and is under Palestinian civil control, and joint Israeli-Palestinian security control.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, 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. There are about 330,000 Israelis living in settlements in Area C. Although Area C is under martial law, Israelis living there are entitled to full civic rights.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 Jerusalem District of Israel but is claimed by Palestine as part of the Jerusalem Governorate. It was effectively annexed by Israel in 1967, by application of Israeli law, jurisdiction and administration under a 1948 law amended for the purpose, this purported annexation being constitutionally reaffirmed (by implication) in Basic Law: Jerusalem 1980, but this annexation is not recognised by any other country. In 2010 of the 456,000 people in East Jerusalem, roughly 60% were Palestinians and 40% were Israelis. However, since the late 2000s, Israel's 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.a
| Name | Area (km2) | Population | Density (per km2) | Muhafazah (district capital) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jenin | 583 | 311,231 | 533.8 | Jenin |
| Tubas | 402 | 64,719 | 161.0 | Tubas |
| Tulkarm | 246 | 182,053 | 740.0 | Tulkarm |
| Nablus | 605 | 380,961 | 629.7 | Nablus |
| Qalqiliya | 166 | 110,800 | 667.5 | Qalqilya |
| Salfit | 204 | 70,727 | 346.7 | Salfit |
| Ramallah & Al-Bireh | 855 | 348,110 | 407.1 | Ramallah |
| Jericho & Al Aghwar | 593 | 52,154 | 87.9 | Jericho |
| Jerusalem | 345 | 419,108a | 1214.8 | Jerusalem (see Status of Jerusalem) |
| Bethlehem | 659 | 216,114 | 927.9 | Bethlehem |
| Hebron | 997 | 706,508 | 708.6 | Hebron |
| North Gaza | 61 | 362,772 | 5947.1 | Jabalya[citation needed] |
| Gaza | 74 | 625,824 | 8457.1 | Gaza City |
| Deir Al-Balah | 58 | 264,455 | 4559.6 | Deir al-Balah |
| Khan Yunis | 108 | 341,393 | 3161.0 | Khan Yunis |
| Rafah | 64 | 225,538 | 3524.0 | Rafah |
- Arabic: فلسطين, romanized: Filasṭīn, pronounced [fɪlastˤiːn]
- Arabic: دولة فلسطين, romanized: Dawlat Filasṭīn, pronounced [dawlat fɪlastˤiːn]
- Data from Jerusalem includes occupied East Jerusalem with its Israeli population
- Data from Jerusalem includes occupied East Jerusalem with its Israeli population
Foreign relations
Foreign relations are maintained in the framework of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) represents the State of Palestine and maintains embassies in countries that recognize it. It 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). The Vatican shifted recognition to the State of Palestine in May 2015, following the 2012 UN vote. This change aligned with the Holy See's evolving position.
Currently, 146 UN member states (75%) recognize the State of Palestine. Though some do not recognize it, they acknowledge the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people. The PLO's executive committee acts as the government, empowered by the PNC. It is a full member of the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Union for the Mediterranean. 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.[excessive citations]
Members of the Arab League and member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have strongly supported the country's position in its conflict with Israel.Iran has been a strong ally of Palestine since the Islamic revolution and has provided military support to Palestinian fedayeen and militant groups, including Hamas through its Axis of Resistance, which includes a military coalition of governments and rebels from Iraq,Syria,Lebanon and Yemen.[excessive citations] Hamas is also part of the axis of resistance. Even before the emergence of the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq, Iraq was a strong supporter of Palestine when it was under the Ba'athist government of Saddam Hussein.Turkey is a supporter of Hamas and Qatar has been a key-financial supporter and has hosted Hamas leaders. In 1988, as part of the request to admit it to UNESCO, an explanatory note was prepared that listed 92 states that had recognized the State of Palestine, including both Arab and non-Arab states such as India.: 19 Once a strong ally of Palestine, India has strengthened its ties with Israel since 1991.
Muammar Gaddafi of Libya was a supporter of Palestinian independence and was sought as a mediator in the Arab–Israeli conflict when he presented a one-state peace offer titled Isratin in 2000.Relations with the United Arab Emirates deteriorated when it signed normalization agreement with Israel. During the Sri Lankan Civil War, the PLO provided training for Tamil rebels to fight against the Sri Lankan government. The Republic of Ireland, Venezuela and South Africa are political allies of Palestine and have strongly advocated for establishment of independent Palestine. As a result of the ongoing war, support for the country has increased. Since Israel's invasion of Gaza, many countries in support of Palestinians have officially recognized the country. This includes Armenia, Spain, Norway, The Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.
Status and recognition
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) declared the establishment of the State of Palestine on 15 November 1988. There is a wide range of views on the legal status of the State of Palestine, both among international states and legal scholars. The existence of a state of Palestine is recognized by the states that have established bilateral diplomatic relations with it. In January 2015, the International Criminal Court affirmed Palestine's "State" status after its UN observer recognition, a move condemned by Israeli leaders as a form of "diplomatic terrorism". In December 2015, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding Palestinian sovereignty over natural resources in the occupied territories. It called on Israel to cease exploitation and damage while granting Palestinians the right to seek restitution. In 1988, the State of Palestine's declaration of independence was acknowledged by the General Assembly with Resolution 43/177. 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.
In August 2015, Palestine's representatives at the United Nations 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. 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". After the vote, which was passed by 119 votes to 8 with 45 countries abstaining, the US Ambassador Samantha Power said that "raising the Palestinian flag will not bring Israelis and Palestinians any closer together". US Department of State spokesman Mark Toner called it a "counterproductive" attempt to pursue statehood claims outside of a negotiated settlement.
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", 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."
International recognition
The State of Palestine has been recognized by 146 of the 193 UN members and since 2012 has had a status of a non-member observer state in the United Nations. This limited status is largely due to the fact that the United States, a permanent member of the UN Security Council with veto power, has consistently used its veto or threatened to do so to block Palestine's full UN membership.
On 29 November 2012, in a 138–9 vote (with 41 abstentions and 5 absences), 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.[excessive citations] Palestine's UN status is equivalent to that of the Holy See. 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", and Palestine has instructed its diplomats to officially represent "The State of Palestine"—no longer the Palestinian National Authority. On 17 December 2012, UN Chief of Protocol Yeocheol Yoon declared that "the designation of 'State of Palestine' shall be used by the Secretariat in all official United Nations documents", thus recognising the title 'State of Palestine' as the state's official name for all UN purposes; on 21 December 2012, a UN memorandum discussed appropriate terminology to be used following GA 67/19. It was noted therein that there was no legal impediment to using the designation Palestine to refer to the geographical area of the Palestinian territory. At the same time, it was explained that there was also no bar to the continued use of the term "Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem" or such other terminology as might customarily be used by the Assembly. As of 21 June 2024, 146 (75.6%) of the 193 member states of the United Nations have recognised the State of Palestine. Many of the countries that do not recognise the State of Palestine nevertheless recognise the PLO as the "representative of the Palestinian people". The PLO's Executive Committee is empowered by the Palestinian National Council to perform the functions of government of the State of Palestine.
On 2 April 2024, Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, requested that the Security Council consider a renewed application for membership. As of April, seven UNSC members recognize Palestine but the US has indicated that it opposes the request and in addition, US law stipulates that US funding for the UN would be cut off in the event of full recognition without an Israeli-Palestinian agreement. On 18 April, the US vetoed a widely supported UN resolution that would have admitted Palestine as a full UN member.
A May 2024 UNGA resolution came into force with the 2024 general assembly. The resolution, which recognized the Palestinian right to become a full member state, also granted the right to Palestinians to submit proposals and amendments and Palestine was permitted to take a seat with other member states in the assembly.
Military
The Palestinian Security Services consists of the armed forces and intelligence agencies, which were established during the Oslo Accords. Their function is to maintain internal security and enforce law in the PA-controlled areas. It does not operate as an independent armed force of a country. Before the Oslo Accords, the PLO led armed rebellion against Israel, which included coalition of militant groups and included its own military branch – the Palestine Liberation Army. However, since the 1993–1995 agreements, it has been inactive and operates only in Syria. Palestinian fedayeen are the Palestinian militants and guerilla army. They are considered as "freedom fighter" by Palestinians and "terrorists" by Israelis.Hamas considers itself as an independent force, which is more powerful and influential than PSF, along with other militant organizations such as Islamic Jihad (Al-Quds Bridage). It is a guerilla army, which is supported by Iran, Qatar and Turkey. According to the CIA World Factbook, the Qassam Brigades have 20,000 to 25,000 members, although this number is disputed. Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza provided Hamas with the opportunity to develop its military wing.
Iran and Hezbollah have smuggled weapons to Hamas overland through the Sinai Peninsula via Sudan and Libya, as well as by sea. Intensive military training and accumulated weapons have allowed Hamas to gradually organize regional units as large as brigades containing 2,500–3,500 fighters each. Since 2020, joint exercises conducted with other militant groups in Gaza like the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have habituated units to operating in a coordinated fashion, supported Hamas command and control, and facilitated cooperation between Hamas and smaller factions. Such efforts began in earnest in 2007, upon Hamas's seizure of power in the Gaza Strip. Iran has since supplied materiel and know-how for Hamas to build a sizable rocket arsenal, with more than 10,000 rockets and mortar shells fired in the current conflict. With Iran's help, Hamas has developed robust domestic rocket production that uses pipes, electrical wiring, and other everyday materials for improvised production.
Law and security
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.
The Palestinian Liberation Army (PLA) is the standing army of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). It was established during the early years of the Palestinian national movement but has largely been inactive since the Oslo Accords. The PLA's role was intended to be a conventional military force but has shifted to a more symbolic and political role.
Economy
Palestine is classified as a middle income and developing country by the IMF. In 2023, GDP of the country was $40 billion and per-capita around $4,500. Due to its disputed status, the economic condition have been affected. The CO2 emission (metric tons per capita) was 0.6 in 2010. According to a survey of 2011, Palestine's 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.
According to a report by the World Bank, the economic impact of Israel's closure policy has been profound, directly contributing to a significant decline in economic activity, widespread unemployment, and a rise in poverty since the onset of the Second Intifada in September 2000. The Israeli restrictions imposed on Area C alone result in an estimated annual loss of approximately $3.4 billion, which accounts for nearly half of the current Palestinian GDP. These restrictions have severely hindered economic growth and development in the region. In the aftermath of the 2014 Gaza War, where many structures were damaged or destroyed, the flow of construction and raw materials into Gaza has been severely limited. Additionally, regular exports from the region have been completely halted, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the population.
One of the burdensome measures imposed by Israel is the "back-to-back" system enforced at crossing points within Palestinian territories. This policy forces shippers to unload and reload their goods from one truck to another, resulting in significant transportation costs and longer transit times for both finished products and raw materials. These additional expenses further impede economic growth and viability. Under the 1995 Oslo II Accord, it was agreed that governance of Area C would be transferred to the Palestinian Authority within 18 months, except for matters to be determined in the final status agreement. However, Israel has failed to fulfill its obligations under the Oslo agreement, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and an end to impunity. The European Commission has highlighted the detrimental impact of the Israeli West Bank barrier, estimating that it has led to an annual economic impoverishment of Palestinians by 2–3% of GDP. Furthermore, the escalating number of internal and external closures continues to have a devastating effect on any prospects for economic recovery in the region.
According to a 2015 study, the economic impact of Israel's illegal use of Palestinian natural resources was conservatively estimated at US$1.83 billion, equivalent to 22% of Palestine's GDP that year. According to a World Bank report, the manufacturing sector's share of GDP decreased from 19% to 10% between the signing of the Oslo Accords until 2011. The same report, which adopted conservative estimates, suggests that access to Area 'C' in specific sectors like Dead Sea minerals, telecommunications, mining, tourism, and construction could contribute at least 22% to Palestinian GDP. In fact, the report notes that Israel and Jordan together generate around $4.2 billion annually from the sale of these products, representing 6% of the global potash supply and 73% of global bromine output. Overall, if Palestinians had unrestricted access to their own land in Area 'C,' the potential economic benefits for Palestine could increase by 35% of GDP, amounting to at least $3.4 billion annually. Similarly, water restrictions incurred a cost of US$1.903 billion, equivalent to 23.4% of GDP, while Israel's ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip resulted in a cost of $1.908 billion US$, representing 23.5% of GDP in 2010. These burdens are unsustainable for any economy, artificially limiting Palestine's economic potential and its right to develop a prosperous society with a stable economy and sustainable growth.
The State of Palestine's overall gross-domestic-product (GDP) has declined by 35% in the first quarter of 2024, due to the ongoing war in Gaza, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) reports. There was a stark difference between the West Bank, which witnessed a decline of 25% and in the Gaza Strip, the number is 86% amid the ongoing war. The manufacturing sector decreased by 29% in the West Bank and 95% in Gaza, while the construction sector decreased by 42% in the West Bank and essentially collapsed in Gaza, with a 99% decrease.
Agriculture
After Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967, Palestinian agriculture suffered significant setbacks. The sector's contribution to the GDP declined, and the agricultural labor force decreased. The cultivated areas in the West Bank continuously declined since 1967. Palestinian farmers face obstacles in marketing and distributing their products, and Israeli restrictions on water usage have severely affected Palestinian agriculture. Over 85% of Palestinian water from the West Bank aquifers is used by Israel, and Palestinians are denied access to water resources from the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers.
In Gaza, the coastal aquifer is suffering from saltwater intrusion. Israeli restrictions have limited irrigation of Palestinian land, with only 6% of West Bank land cultivated by Palestinians being irrigated, while Israeli settlers irrigate around 70% of their land. The Gulf War in 1991 had severe repercussions on Palestinian agriculture, as the majority of exports were previously sent to Arab Gulf countries. Palestinian exports to the Gulf States declined by 14% as a result of the war, causing a significant economic impact.
Water supply and sanitation
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. The division of groundwater is subject to provisions in the Oslo II Accord, agreed upon by both Israeli and Palestinian leadership.[citation needed] Israel provides the Palestinian territories water from its own water supply and desalinated water supplies, in 2012 supplying 52 MCM.
Generally, the water quality is considerably worse in the Gaza Strip when compared to the West Bank. About a third to half of the delivered water in the Palestinian territories is lost in the distribution network. The lasting blockade of the Gaza Strip and the Gaza War have caused severe damage to the infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. Concerning wastewater, the existing treatment plants do not have the capacity to treat all of the produced wastewater, causing severe water pollution. The development of the sector highly depends on external financing.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing sectors in Palestine include textiles, food processing, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, furniture, plastic products, stone, and electronics. Notable products include clothing, olive oil, dairy, furniture, ceramics, and construction materials. Before the Second Intifada, Palestine had a strong industrial base in Jerusalem and Gaza. Barriers erected in the West Bank have made movement of goods difficult; the blockade of the Gaza Strip has severely affected the territory's economic conditions. As of 2023[update], according to the Ministry of Economy, the manufacturing sector expected to grow by 2.5% and create 79,000 jobs over the following six years. Palestine mainly exports articles of stone (limestone, marble – 13.3%), furniture (11.7%), plastics (10.2%) and iron and steel (9.1%). Most of these products are exported to Jordan, the United States, Israel and Egypt.
Hebron is industrially most advanced city in the region and serves as an export hub for Palestinian products. More than 40% of the national economy produced there. The most advanced printing press in the Middle East is in Hebron. Many quarries are in the surrounding region. Silicon reserves are found in the Gaza territory. Jerusalem stone, extracted in the West Bank, has been used for constructing many structures in Jerusalem. Hebron is widely known for its glass production. Nablus is noted for its Nablus soap. Some of the companies operating in the Palestinian territories include Siniora Foods, Sinokrot Industries, Schneider Electric, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola.
Israeli–Palestinian economic peace efforts have resulted in several initiatives, such as the Valley of Peace initiative and Breaking the Impasse, which promote industrial projects between Israel, Palestine and other Arab countries, with the goal of promoting peace and ending conflict. These include joint industrial parks opened in Palestine. The Palestinian Authority has built industrial cities in Gaza, Bethlehem, Jericho, Jenin and Hebron. Some are in joint cooperation with European countries.
Energy
Palestine does not produce its own oil or gas. But as per UN reports, "sizeable reserves of oil and gas" lie in the Palestinian territories. Due to its state of conflict, most of the energy and fuel in Palestine are imported from Israel and other all neighboring countries such as Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
In 2012, electricity available in West Bank and Gaza was 5,370 GW-hour (3,700 in the West Bank and 1,670 in Gaza), while the annual per capita consumption of electricity (after deducting transmission loss) was 950 kWh. The Gaza Power Plant is the only power plant in the Gaza Strip. It is owned by Gaza Power Generating Company (GPGC), a subsidiary of the Palestine Electric Company (PEC). Jerusalem District Electricity Company, a subsidiary of PEC, provides electricity to Palestinian residents of Jerusalem.
Government officials have increasingly focused on solar energy to reduce dependency on Israel for energy. Palestine Investment Fund have launched "Noor Palestine", a project which aims to provide power in Palestine. Qudra Energy, a joint venture between Bank of Palestine and NAPCO have established solar power plants across Jammala, Nablus, Birzeit and Ramallah. In 2019, under Noor Palestine campaign, first solar power plant and solar park was inaugurated in Jenin. Two more solar parks have been planned for Jericho and Tubas. A new solar power plant is under construction at Abu Dis campus of Al-Quds University, for serving Palestinian Jerusalemites.
Oil and gas
Palestine holds massive potential reserves of oil and gas. Over 3 billion barrels (480,000,000 m3) of oil are estimated to exist off the coast and beneath occupied Palestinian lands. The Levant Basin holds around 1.7 billion barrels (270,000,000 m3) of oil, with another 1.5 billion barrels (240,000,000 m3) beneath the occupied West Bank area. Around 2 billion barrels (320,000,000 m3) of oil reserves are believed to exist in shore of the Gaza Strip. According to a report by the UNCTAD, around 1,250 billion barrels (1.99×1011 m3) of oil reserves are in the occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank, probably the Meged oil field. As per the Palestinian Authority, 80% of this oil field falls under the lands owned by Palestinians.
Masadder, a subsidiary of the Palestine Investment Fund is developing the oilfield in the West Bank. Block-1 field, which spans an area of 432 square kilometres (167 sq mi) from northwest Ramallah to Qalqilya in Palestine, has significant potential for recoverable hydrocarbon resources. It is estimated to have a P90 (a level of certainty) of 0.03 billion barrels (4,800,000 m3) of recoverable oil and 6,000,000,000 cubic feet (170,000,000 m3). 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. 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.
Natural gas in Palestine is mostly found in Gaza Strip.Gaza Marine is a natural gas field, located around 32 kilometres (20 mi) from the coast of the territory in the Mediterranean shore. It holds gas reserves ranging between 28 billion cubic metres (990 billion cubic feet) to 32 billion cubic metres (1.1 trillion cubic feet). These estimates far exceed the needs of the Palestinian territories in energy. The gas field was discovered by the British Gas Group in 1999. Upon the discovery of the gas field, it was lauded by Yasser Arafat as a "Gift from God". A regional cooperation between the Palestinian Authority, Israel and Egypt were signed for developing the field and Hamas also gave approval to the Palestinian Authority. However, since the ongoing war in Gaza, this project have been delayed.
Transportation
Two airports of Palestine – Jerusalem International Airport and Gaza International Airport – were destroyed by Israel in the early years of the second intifada. Since then no 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.
Gaza Strip is the only coastal region of Palestine, where Port of Gaza is located. It is under naval siege by Israel, since the territory's blockade. During Oslo years, the Palestinian government collaborated with the Netherlands and France to build an international seaport but the project was abandoned. In 2021, then prime minister of Israel Naftali Bennett launched a development project for Gaza, which would include a seaport.
Tourism
Tourism in the country 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. 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.Lonely Planet travel guide writes that "the West Bank is not the easiest place in which to travel but the effort is richly rewarded." Sacred sites such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque draw countless pilgrims and visitors each year.
In 2013 Palestinian Authority Tourism minister stated that her government aims to encourage international visits to Palestine, but the occupation is the main factor preventing the tourism sector from becoming a major income source to Palestinians. There are no visa conditions imposed on foreign nationals other than those imposed by the visa policy of Israel. Access to Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza is completely controlled by the government of Israel. Entry to the occupied Palestinian territories requires only a valid international passport. Tourism is mostly centered around Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Jericho is a popular tourist spot for local Palestinians.
Communications
Palestine is known as the "Silicon Valley of NGOs". The high tech industry in Palestine, have experienced good growth since 2008. 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. 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). About 80% of the Palestinian households have access to the internet in their homes and about a third have a computer.
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.
Financial services
The Palestine Monetary Authority has issued guidelines for the operation and provision of electronic payment services including e-wallet and prepaid cards.Protocol on Economic Relations, also known as Paris Protocol was signed between the PLO 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 Israeli banks. This resulted in an under-banked region and a cash-based economy. Currently, there are 14 banks operating in Palestine, including Palestinian, Jordanian, and Egyptian banks, compared to 21 in 2000. The number of banks has decreased over time due to mergers and acquisitions. 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. The banking sector has shown impressive annual growth rates in deposits and loan portfolios, surpassing global averages.
The combined loan facilities provided by all banks on 31 December 2018, amounted to US$8.4 billion, marking a significant growth of 492 percent compared to US$1.42 billion in 2007. 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. This showcases a remarkable 737 percent increase between 2007 and 2018. 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.
Demographics
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. Ala Owad, the president of the PCBS, estimated a population of 5.3 million as of end year 2021. Within an area of 6,020 square kilometres (2,320 sq mi), there is a population density of about 827 people per square kilometer. To put this in a wider context, the average population density of the world was 25 people per square kilometre as of 2017.
Half of the Palestinian population live in the diaspora or are refugees. Due to being in a state of conflict with Israel, the subsequent wars have resulted in the widespread displacement of Palestinians, known as Nakba or Naksa. In the 1948 war, around 700,000 Palestinians were expelled. Most of them are seeking refuge in neighboring Arab countries like Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and Egypt, while others live as expats in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait. A large number of Palestinians can be found in the United States, the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe.
Population
Largest cities or towns in Palestine | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Name | Governorate | Pop. | ||||||
 Gaza  Jerusalem[270] | 1 | Gaza | Gaza Governorate | 766,331 |  Hebron  Nablus | ||||
| 2 | Jerusalem[270] | Jerusalem Governorate | 542,400 | ||||||
| 3 | Hebron | Hebron Governorate | 308,750 | ||||||
| 4 | Nablus | Nablus Governorate | 239,772 | ||||||
| 5 | Khan Yunis | Khan Yunis Governorate | 179,701 | ||||||
| 6 | Jabalia | North Gaza Governorate | 165,110 | ||||||
| 7 | Rafah | Rafah Governorate | 158,414 | ||||||
| 8 | Jenin | Jenin Governorate | 115,305 | ||||||
| 9 | Ramallah | Ramallah and al-Bireh | 104,173 | ||||||
| 10 | Beit Lahia | North Gaza Governorate | 86,526 | ||||||
Religion
The country has been known for its religious significance and site of many holy places, with religion playing an important role in shaping the country's society and culture. It is traditionally part of the Holy Land, which is considered sacred land to Abrahamic religions and other faiths as well. The Basic Law states that Islam is the official religion but also grants freedom of religion, calling for respect for other faiths. Religious minorities are represented in the legislature for the Palestinian National Authority.
98% of Palestinians are Muslim, the vast majority of whom are followers of the Sunni branch of Islam and a small minority of Ahmadiyya. 15% are nondenominational Muslims.Palestinian Christians represent a significant minority of 1%, followed by much smaller religious communities, including Baha'is and Samaritans. The largest concentration of Christians can be found in Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, and Beit Jala in the West Bank, as well as in the Gaza Strip. Denominationally, most Palestinian Christians belong to Eastern Orthodox or Oriental Orthodox churches, including the Greek Orthodox Church, Armenian Apostolic Church, and Syriac Orthodox Church. Additionally, there are significant group of Roman Catholics, Greek Catholics (Melkites), and Protestant denominations.
With a population of 350 people, Samaritans are highly concentrated around the Mount Gerizim. Due to similarities between Samaritanism and Judaism, Samaritans are often referred to as "the Jews of Palestine". The PLO considers those Jews as Palestinians, who lived in the region peacefully before the rise of Zionism. Certain individuals, especially anti-Zionists, consider themselves Palestinian Jews, such as Ilan Halevi and Uri Davis. Around 600,000 Israeli settlers, mostly Jews, live in the Israeli settlements, illegal under international law, across the West Bank. Jericho synagogue, situated in Jericho is the only synagogue maintained by the Palestinian Authority.
- Holy sites in the State of Palestine
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Jerusalem is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is 3rd holiest site in Islam -
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The Church of the Nativity is one of the most important sites for Christians -
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Mount Gerizim is sacred to Samaritans -
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The Cave of the Patriarchs is a holy site for Jews, Muslims and Christians -
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Nabi Musa is considered as "Tomb of Moses" in Islamic traditions -
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Jericho synagogue is managed by the Palestinian Authority -
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Nabi Yahya Mosque contains traditional tomb of John the Baptist
Language
Arabic is the official language of the State of Palestine, with Palestinian Arabic commonly spoken by the local population. Hebrew and English are also widely spoken. Around 16% of the population consists of Israeli settlers, whose primary language is typically Hebrew. Additionally, many Palestinians use Hebrew as a second or third language.
Ethnicity
Palestinians are natively Arab, and speak the Arabic language.Bedouin communities of Palestinian nationality comprise a minority in the West Bank, particularly around the Hebron Hills and rural Jerusalem. As of 2013, approximately 40,000 Bedouins reside in the West Bank and 5,000 Bedouins live in the Gaza Strip.Jahalin and Ta'amireh are two major Bedouin tribes in the country. A large number of non-Arab ethnic groups also live in the country, with their members holding Palestinian citizenship as well. These include groups of Kurds, Nawar, Assyrians, Romani, Druze, Africans, Dom, Russians, Turks and Armenians.
Most of the non-Arab Palestinian communities reside around Jerusalem. About 5,000 Assyrians live in Palestine, mostly in the holy cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. An estimated population of between 200 and 450 black Africans, known as Afro-Palestinians, live in Jerusalem. A small community of Kurds live in Hebron. The Nawar are a small Dom and Romani community, living in Jerusalem, who trace their origins to India. The Russian diaspora is also found in Palestine, particularly in the Russian Compound of Jerusalem and in Hebron. Most of them are Christians of the Russian Orthodox Church.
In 2022, an estimate of approximately 5,000–6,000 Armenians lived across Israel and Palestine, of which around 1,000 Armenians lived in Jerusalem (Armenian Quarter) and the rest lived in Bethlehem. Since 1987, 400,000 to 500,000 Turks live in Palestine. Due to the 1947–1949 civil war, many Turkish families fled the region and settled in Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. According to a 2022 news article by Al Monitor, many families of Turkish origin in Gaza have been migrating to Turkey due to the "deteriorating economic conditions in the besieged enclave". Minorities of the country are also subjected to occupation and restrictions by Israel.
Education
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. There is a gender difference in the population aged above 15 with 5.9% of women considered illiterate compared to 1.6% of men. Illiteracy among women has fallen from 20.3% in 1997 to less than 6% in 2014. In the State of Palestine, the Gaza Strip has the highest literacy rate. According to a press blog of Columbia University, Palestinians are the most educated refugees.
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. Basic education in Palestine includes primary school (grades 1–4) and preparatory school (grades 5–10). Secondary education consists of general secondary education (grades 11–12) and vocational education. 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 educational ministry.
The West Bank and the Gaza Strip together have 14 universities, 18 university colleges, 20 community colleges, and 3,000 schools.An-Najah National University in Nablus is the largest university in the country, followed by Al-Quds University in Jerusalem and Birzeit University in Birzeit near Ramallah.[excessive citations] Al-Quds University achieved a 5-star rating in quality standards and was termed the "most socially responsible university in the Arab world". In 2018, Birzeit University was ranked as one of the top 2.7% of universities worldwide in the 2019 edition of the World University Rankings.
Health
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). The largest hospital of the West Bank is in Nablus, while Al-Shifa Hospital is largest in the Gaza Strip.
Operating under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Health Cluster for the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) was established in 2009 and represents a partnership of over 70 local and international nongovernmental organizations and UN agencies providing a framework for health actors involved in the humanitarian response for the oPt. The Cluster is co-chaired by the MOH to ensure alignment with national policies and plans. 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 pursuant to the country cooperation strategy for WHO and the Occupied Palestinian Territory 2017–2020.
Culture
Palestinians are ethnically and linguistically considered part of the Arab world. The culture of Palestine has had a heavy influence on religion, arts, literature, sports architecture, and cinema.UNESCO have recognized Palestinian culture. The Palestine Festival of Literature (PalFest) brings together Palestinian and international writers, musicians, and artists for a celebration of literature and culture. The annual Palestine Cinema Days festival showcases Palestinian films and filmmakers.
Culture of Palestine is an amalgamation of indigenous traditions, Arab customs, and the heritage of various empires that have ruled the region. The land of Palestine has witnessed the presence of ancient civilizations such as the Canaanites, Philistines, and Israelites, each contributing to its cultural fabric. The Arab conquest in the 7th century brought the influence of Islam, which has been a cornerstone of Palestinian identity ever since. Islamic traditions, including language, art, and architecture, have infused the culture with distinct features.
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. 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. Other notable cultural sites include the ancient city of Jericho, the archaeological site of Sebastia, and the town of Bethlehem.[excessive citations]
A large number of cultural centers are found throughout the country, almost in all major cities. In 2009, Jerusalem was named as Arab Capital of Culture and Bethlehem participated in the Arab Capital of Culture in 2020.
Architecture
Palestinian architecture encompasses a rich heritage that reflects the cultural and historical diversity of the region. Throughout its history, Palestinian architecture has been influenced by various civilizations, including Islamic, Byzantine, Crusader, and Ottoman. Traditional Palestinian architecture is characterized by its use of local materials such as stone and traditional construction techniques. The architectural style varies across different regions, with notable features including arched doorways, domes, and intricate geometric patterns. Islamic architecture has left a profound impact on Palestinian buildings.Mosques, mausoleums, and madrasas showcase exquisite craftsmanship, with notable examples including the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the Great Mosque of Nablus.Rawabi is home to the largest Roman amphitheatre in the Middle East and the Arab world.
Palestine is home to several Byzantine and Crusader architectural marvels. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which dates back to the 4th century, is a significant pilgrimage site. The Crusader fortress of Krak des Chevaliers in the Golan Heights is another remarkable example. During the Ottoman period, numerous mosques, palaces, and public buildings were constructed throughout Palestine. The iconic Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem underwent restoration and renovation in the Ottoman era, showcasing a blend of Islamic and Byzantine architectural elements.
Rasem Badran and Mohamed Hadid are popular Palestinian architects. In recent years, modern architecture has emerged in Palestine, blending traditional elements with contemporary designs. The Palestinian Museum in Birzeit, designed by Heneghan Peng Architects, exemplifies this fusion, incorporating local motifs and sustainable building practices.International Convention Center in Bethlehem, is a prominent structure showcasing contemporary Palestinian architecture. Another notable building is the Palestinian National Theatre in Jerusalem. Elements of modern architecture can be found in shopping malls, luxury hotels, technology parks and high rise skyscrapers. The Palestine Trade Tower in Ramallah is the tallest building in Palestine.
Art, music, and clothing
Traditional Palestinian music is deeply rooted in the region's history and culture. It features instruments such as the oud (a stringed instrument), the qanun (a type of zither), and various percussion instruments. Traditional folk songs often depict themes of love, longing, and daily life experiences. Artists like Mohammad Assaf, winner of the Arab Idol competition, have gained international recognition for their renditions of traditional Palestinian songs.
Dabke is a popular Palestinian dance form accompanied by music. The lively and rhythmic music is characterized by the use of the mijwiz (a reed flute), the tablah (a drum), and the handclapping of dancers. Dabke songs are often performed at weddings, celebrations, and cultural events, fostering a sense of community and shared identity. Palestinian pop music has gained popularity in recent years, blending modern elements with traditional influences. Artists like Mohammed Assaf, Amal Murkus, and Rim Banna have contributed to the contemporary pop scene with their unique styles and powerful voices. Their songs address both personal and political themes, resonating with Palestinians and audiences worldwide.
Palestinian hip-hop has emerged as a powerful medium for expressing the realities and struggles faced by Palestinians. Artists such as DAM, Shadia Mansour, and Tamer Nafar have gained international recognition for their socially conscious lyrics, addressing topics such as occupation, identity, and resistance. Palestinian hip-hop serves as a form of cultural resistance, amplifying the voices of Palestinian youth. Rim Banna was a Palestinian singer known for her ethereal vocals and her dedication to preserving Palestinian folk music. Reem Kelani, a Palestinian musician based in the United Kingdom, is renowned for her powerful voice and her reinterpretation of traditional Palestinian songs. Dalal Abu Amneh is a popular Palestinian singer and poet.
Media
There are a number of newspapers, news agencies, and satellite television stations in the State of Palestine. Its news agencies include Ma'an News Agency, Wafa, and Palestine News Network. Al-Aqsa TV, Al-Quds TV, and Sanabel TV are its main satellite broadcasters.
Cinema
Palestinian cinema production is centered in Jerusalem, with prominent local scenes in Ramallah, Bethlehem, and Nablus.
Makram Khoury, Mohammad Bakri, Hiam Abbass, and Amal Murkus emerged as popular faces in Palestinian cinema during the 1970s and 1980s.Areen Omari, Valantina Abu Oqsa, Saleh Bakri, Tawfeek Barhom, and Ashraf Barhom became popular in the mid-1990s, while Leem Lubany and Clara Khoury have gained acclaim since 2000. Popular Palestinian movies include Wedding in Galilee (1987), Chronicle of a Disappearance (1996), Divine Intervention (2002), Paradise Now (2005), The Time That Remains (2009), and Omar (2013).
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. Palestinian filmmakers often face unique challenges due to the political situation in the region, with many films made under the rules and struggles of occupation. 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.
Sports
Palestine has been participating in the Olympic Games since 1996, with athletes competing in various sports, including athletics, swimming, judo, and taekwondo. Palestinian Olympians represent their nation on the international stage. The country is a member 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.
Association football (soccer) is the most popular sport in the state of Palestine, with the Palestine national football team representing the state in international football and governed by FIFA worldwide. The Palestine Cup is the premier domestic football competition in Palestine. It features teams from the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the winner represents Palestine in the AFC Cup. Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium, located Jerusalem, stands as the largest stadium in Palestine. It serves as the home ground for the national football team. Other notable stadiums include Dora International Stadium in Hebron, Palestine Stadium in Gaza and Nablus Football Stadium in the Nablus.
Mohammed Hamada is the first weightlifter from Palestine, who won gold at 2022 International Weightlifting Federation Junior World Championships in Greece.
See also
- Flag of Palestine
- Geography of the State of Palestine
- History of agriculture in Palestine
- History of Palestinian journalism
- International recognition of the State of Palestine
- Mandatory Palestine
- Palestine (region)
- Palestinian self-determination
Notes
- United States, a permanent member of the Security Council with veto power, has consistently used its veto or threatened to do so to block Palestine's full membership to UN
- The Palestinian Declaration of Independence proclaims the "establishment of the State of Palestine on our Palestinian territory with its capital Jerusalem (Al-Quds Ash-Sharif)." Israel exercises de facto control over Jerusalem, but neither state's claims to Jerusalem are widely recognized by the international community. Ramallah is the administrative capital where government institutions and foreign representative offices are located, while most countries maintain their embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv. In Oslo I Accord, few parts of Jerusalem went under control of the Palestinian government, but did not solved overall status of Jerusalem.
- So far both presidents of the State of Palestine, Yasser Arafat and his successor Mahmoud Abbas, were appointed beforehand as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, the committee performing the functions of State of Palestine government. See also Leaders of Palestinian institutions.
- Israel allows the Palestinian National Authority to execute some functions in the Palestinian territories, depending on the area classification. It maintains minimal interference (retaining control of borders: air, sea beyond internal waters,land) in the Gaza Strip (its interior and Egypt portion of the land border are under Hamas control), and varying degrees of interference elsewhere. See also Israeli-occupied territories.
- Note that the name Palestine can commonly be interpreted as the entire territory of the former British Mandate, which today also incorporates Israel. The name is also officially used as the short-form reference to the State of Palestine, and this should be distinguished from other homonymous uses for the term including the Palestinian Authority, the Palestine Liberation Organization, and the subjects of other proposals for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
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The only normative definition we have, codified at the United Nations Genocide Convention of 1948, accurately describes the current situation in Palestine ... describes exactly what is happening in Gaza today
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This page is subject to the extended confirmed restriction related to the Arab Israeli conflict This article needs additional citations for verification Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources Unsourced material may be challenged and removed Find sources Palestine news newspapers books scholar JSTOR October 2024 Learn how and when to remove this message State of Palestineدولة فلسطين Arabic Dawlat FilasṭinFlag Coat of armsAnthem فدائي Fidaʾi source source track track track track track track Show globeMap of PalestineOccupied Palestinian territories green Territory annexed by Israel light green StatusUN observer state under Israeli occupation Recognized by 146 UN member statesCapitalAdministrative centerJerusalem limited recognition RamallahLargest cityGaza City before 2023 currently in fluxOfficial languagesArabicEthnic groupsPalestinian ArabsReligion 2017 98 97 Islam official 1 00 Christianity0 03 othersDemonym s PalestinianGovernmentUnitary provisional semi presidential republic PresidentMahmoud Abbas Prime MinisterMohammad Mustafa Speaker of the ParliamentAziz DweikLegislatureNational CouncilFormation Declaration of Independence15 November 1988 UNGA observer state resolution29 November 2012 Sovereignty dispute with IsraelOngoingArea Total6 020 km2 2 320 sq mi 163rd Water 3 5 West Bank5 655 km2 Gaza Strip365 km2Population 2023 estimate5 483 450 121st Density731 km2 1 893 3 sq mi GDP PPP 2023 estimate Total 36 391 billion 138th Per capita 6 642 140th GDP nominal 2021 estimate Total 18 109 billion 121st Per capita 3 464 131st Gini 2016 33 7 medium inequalityHDI 2022 0 716 high 111th CurrencyEgyptian pound EGP Israeli new shekel ILS Jordanian dinar JOD de facto Time zoneUTC 2 Palestine Standard Time Summer DST UTC 3 Palestine Summer Time Date formatdd mm yyyyDrives onRightCalling code 970ISO 3166 codePSInternet TLD ps Palestine officially the State of Palestine is a country in the Southern Levant region of West Asia recognized by 146 out of 193 UN member states It encompasses the Israeli occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip collectively known as the occupied Palestinian territories within the broader geographic and historical Palestine region Palestine shares most of its borders with Israel and it borders Jordan to the east and Egypt to the southwest It has a total land area of 6 020 square kilometres 2 320 sq mi while its population exceeds five million people Its proclaimed capital is Jerusalem while Ramallah serves as its administrative center Gaza City was its largest city prior to evacuations in 2023 Situated at a continental crossroad the region of Palestine was ruled by various empires and experienced various demographic changes from antiquity to the modern era Being a bridge between Asia and Africa it was treading ground for the Nile and Mesopotamian armies and merchants from North Africa China and India The region is known for its religious significance The ongoing Israeli Palestinian conflict dates back to the rise of the Zionist movement supported by the United Kingdom during World War I The war saw Britain occupying Palestine from the Ottoman Empire where it set up Mandatory Palestine under the auspices of the League of Nations During this period large scale Jewish immigration allowed by the British authorities led to increased tensions and violence with the local Palestinian Arab population In 1947 Britain handed the issue to the United Nations which proposed a partition plan for two independent Arab and Jewish states and an independent entity for Jerusalem but a civil war broke out and the plan was not implemented The 1948 Palestine war saw the forcible displacement of most of its predominantly Arab population and consequently the establishment of Israel in what Palestinians call the Nakba catastrophe In the Six Day War in 1967 Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip which had been held by Jordan and Egypt respectively The Palestine Liberation Organization PLO declared independence in 1988 In 1993 the PLO signed the Oslo peace accords with Israel creating limited PLO governance in the West Bank and Gaza Strip through the Palestinian Authority PA Israel withdrew from Gaza in its unilateral disengagement in 2005 but the territory is still considered to be under military occupation and has been blockaded by Israel In 2007 internal divisions between political factions led to a takeover of Gaza by Hamas Since then the West Bank has been governed in part by the Fatah led PA while the Gaza Strip has remained under the control of Hamas Israel has constructed large settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967 which currently house more than 670 000 Israeli settlers and which are illegal under international law which are illegal under international law Attacks by Hamas led armed groups in October 2023 in Israel were followed by the Israel Hamas war which has caused widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis throughout the Gaza Strip including the displacement of nearly all of its population While no consensus exists Israel s actions in the Gaza Strip during the Israel Hamas war are sometimes described as a genocide Some of the challenges to Palestine include ineffective government Israeli occupation a blockade restrictions on movement Israeli settlements and settler violence as well as an overall poor security situation The questions of Palestine s borders the legal and diplomatic status of Jerusalem and the right of return of Palestinian refugees remain unsolved Despite these challenges the country maintains an emerging economy and sees frequent tourism Arabic is the official language of the country While the majority of Palestinians practice Islam Christianity also has a presence Palestine is also a member of several international organizations including the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation It has been a non member observer state of the United Nations since 2012 excessive citations EtymologyThe term Palestine in Latin Palaestina comes via ancient Greek from a Semitic toponym for the general area dating back to the late second millennium BCE a reflex of which is also to be found in the Biblical ethnonym Philistines The term Palestine has been used to refer to the area at the southeast corner of the Mediterranean Sea beside Syria In the 5th century BCE in his work The Histories Herodotus used the term to describe a district of Syria called Palaistine in which Phoenicians interacted with other maritime peoples 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 Palestine can depending on contexts be referred to as a country or a state and its authorities can generally be identified as the Government of Palestine HistoryFrom prehistory to the Ottoman era These paragraphs are an excerpt from History of Palestine edit Situated between three continents the region of Palestine has a tumultuous history as a crossroads for religion culture commerce and politics The region was among the earliest to see human habitation agricultural communities and civilization In the Bronze Age the Canaanites established city states influenced by surrounding civilizations among them Egypt which ruled the area in the Late Bronze Age During the Iron Age two related Israelite kingdoms Israel and Judah controlled much of Palestine while the Philistines occupied its southern coast The Assyrians conquered the region in the 8th century BCE then the Babylonians in c 601 BCE followed by the Persians who conquered the Babylonian Empire in 539 BCE Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire in the late 330s BCE beginning Hellenization In the late 2nd century BCE the Jewish Hasmonean Kingdom conquered most of Palestine but the kingdom became a vassal of Rome which annexed it in 63 BCE Roman Judea was troubled by Jewish revolts in 66 CE so Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Jewish Temple in 70 CE In the 4th century as the Roman Empire transitioned to Christianity Palestine became a center for the religion attracting pilgrims monks and scholars Following Muslim conquest of the Levant in 636 641 ruling dynasties succeeded each other the Rashiduns Umayyads Abbasids the semi independent Tulunids and Ikhshidids Fatimids and the Seljuks In 1099 the Crusaders established the Kingdom of Jerusalem which the Ayyubid Sultanate reconquered in 1187 Following the invasion of the Mongol Empire in the late 1250s the Egyptian Mamluks reunified Palestine under its control before the Ottoman Empire conquered the region in 1516 and ruled it as Ottoman Syria to the 20th century largely undisrupted Rise of Palestinian nationalism Though Palestinian elites in particular urban notable families who worked within the Ottoman bureaucracy generally retained their loyalty to the Ottomans they also played a significant role proportionately in the rise of Arab nationalism and the Pan Arabic movements that arose in response to both the emergence of the Young Turks movement and the subsequent weakening of Ottoman power in World War 1 The onset of the Zionist movement which sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine also exercised a strong influence on Palestinian national consciousness Abdul Hamid the last sultan of the Ottoman Empire opposed the Zionist movement s efforts in Palestine The end of the Ottoman Empire s rule in Palestine coincided with the conclusion of World War I The failure of Emir Faisal to establish a Greater Syria in the face of French and British colonial claims to the area also shaped Palestinian elites efforts to secure local autonomy In the aftermath of the war Palestine came under British control with the implementation of the British Mandate for Palestine in 1920 British Mandate Deir Yassin massacre of Palestinian villagers was carried out by Zionist militias the Irgun and Lehi during the 1948 Palestine war The defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War I resulted in the dismantling of their rule In 1920 the League of Nations granted Britain the mandate to govern Palestine leading to the subsequent period of British administration In 1917 Jerusalem was captured by British forces led by General Allenby marking the end of Ottoman rule in the city By 1920 tensions escalated between Jewish and Arab communities resulting in violent clashes and riots across Palestine The League of Nations approved the British Mandate for Palestine in 1922 entrusting Britain with the administration of the region Throughout the 1920s Palestine experienced growing resistance from both Jewish and Arab nationalist movements which manifested in sporadic violence and protests against British policies In 1929 violent riots erupted in Palestine due to disputes over Jewish immigration and access to the Western Wall in Jerusalem The 1930s witnessed the outbreak of the Arab Revolt as Arab nationalists demanded an end to Jewish immigration and the establishment of an independent Arab state In response to the Arab Revolt the British deployed military forces and implemented stringent security measures in an effort to quell the uprising Arab nationalist groups led by the Arab Higher Committee called for an end to Jewish immigration and land sales to Jews The issuance of the 1939 White Paper by the British government aimed to address escalating tensions between Arabs and Jews in Palestine This policy document imposed restrictions on Jewish immigration and land purchases with the intention to limit the establishment of a Jewish state Met with strong opposition from the Zionist movement the White Paper was perceived as a betrayal of the Balfour Declaration and Zionist aspirations for a Jewish homeland In response to the White Paper the Zionist community in Palestine organized a strike in 1939 rallying against the restrictions on Jewish immigration and land acquisition This anti White Paper strike involved demonstrations civil disobedience and a shutdown of businesses Supported by various Zionist organizations including the Jewish Agency and the Histadrut General Federation of Jewish Labor the anti White Paper strike aimed to protest and challenge the limitations imposed by the British government In the late 1930s and 1940s several Zionist militant groups including the Irgun Hagana and Lehi carried out acts of violence against British military and civilian targets in their pursuit of an independent Jewish state While the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Haj Amin al Husseini collaborated with Nazi Germany during World War II not all Muslims supported his actions and there were instances where Muslims helped rescue Jews during the Holocaust failed verification opinion In 1946 a bombing orchestrated by the Irgun at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem resulted in the deaths of 91 people including British officials civilians and hotel staff Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir who later became political leaders in the state of Israel were behind these terrorist attacks The Exodus 1947 incident unfolded when a ship carrying Jewish Holocaust survivors who sought refuge in Palestine was intercepted by the British navy leading to clashes and the eventual deportation of the refugees back to Europe During World War II Palestine served as a strategically significant location for British military operations against Axis forces in North Africa In 1947 the United Nations proposed a partition plan for Palestine suggesting separate Jewish and Arab states but it was rejected by Arab nations while accepted by Jewish leaders Arab Israeli wars In 1947 the UN adopted a partition plan for a two state solution in the remaining territory of the mandate The plan was accepted by the Jewish leadership but rejected by the Arab leaders and Britain refused to implement the plan On the eve of final British withdrawal the Jewish Agency for Israel headed by David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the 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 In 1964 when the West Bank was controlled by Jordan the Palestine Liberation Organization was established there with the goal to confront Israel The Palestinian National Charter of the PLO defines the boundaries of Palestine as the whole remaining territory of the mandate including Israel The Six Day War in 1967 when Israel fought against Egypt Jordan and Syria ended with Israel occupying the West Bank and the Gaza Strip besides other territories better source needed Following the Six Day War the PLO moved to Jordan but relocated to Lebanon in 1971 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 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 Through the Camp David Accords of 1979 Egypt signaled an end to any claim of its own over the Gaza Strip In July 1988 Jordan ceded its claims to the West Bank with the exception of guardianship over Haram al Sharif to the PLO 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 Uprising declaration and peace treaty The First Intifada broke out in 1987 characterized by widespread protests strikes and acts of civil disobedience by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank against Israeli occupation In November 1988 the PLO legislature while in exile declared the establishment of the State of Palestine In the month following it was quickly recognized 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 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 In spite of this decision the PLO did not participate at the UN in its capacity of the State of Palestine s government Violent clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces intensified throughout 1989 resulting in a significant loss of life and escalating tensions in the occupied territories 1990 witnessed the imposition of strict measures by the Israeli government including curfews and closures in an attempt to suppress the Intifada and maintain control over the occupied territories Intifada in Gaza The 1990 1991 Gulf War brought increased attention to the conflict leading to heightened diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution Saddam Hussein was a supporter of Palestinian cause and won support from Arafat during the war Following the invasion of Kuwait Saddam surprised the international community by presenting a peace offer to Israel and withdrawing Iraqi forces from Kuwait in exchange of withdrawal from the West Bank the Gaza Strip East Jerusalem and Golan Heights Though the peace offer was rejected Saddam then ordered firing of scud missiles into Israeli territory This movement was supported by Palestinians The war also led to the expulsion of Palestinians from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as their government supported Iraq In 1993 the Oslo Accords were signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization PLO leading to the establishment of the Palestinian Authority PA and a potential path to peace Yasser Arafat was elected as president of the newly formed Palestinian Authority in 1994 marking a significant step towards self governance Yasser Arafat Israel acknowledged the PLO negotiating team as representing the Palestinian people in return for the PLO recognizing Israel s right to exist in peace acceptance of UN Security Council resolutions 242 and 338 and its rejection of violence and terrorism As a result in 1994 the PLO established the Palestinian National Authority PNA or PA territorial administration that exercises some governmental functions in parts of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip As envisioned in the Oslo Accords Israel allowed the PLO to establish interim administrative institutions in the Palestinian territories which came in the form of the PNA It was given civilian control in Area B and civilian and security control in Area A and remained without involvement in Area C Civil unrest in Jerusalem as a result of 1994 massacre The peace process gained opposition from both Palestinians and Israelis Islamist militant organizations such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad opposed the attack and responded by conducting attacks on civilians across Israel In 1994 Baruch Goldstein an Israeli extremist shot 29 people to death in Hebron known as the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre These events led an increase in Palestinian opposition to the peace process Tragically in 1995 Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated by Yigal Amir an extremist causing political instability in the region The first ever Palestinian general elections took place in 1996 resulting in Arafat s re election as president and the formation of a Palestinian Legislative Council Initiating the implementation of the Oslo Accords Israel began redeploying its forces from select Palestinian cities in the West Bank in 1997 Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority continued albeit with slow progress and contentious debates on Jerusalem settlements and refugees in 1998 In 1997 Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu and the Palestinian government signed the Hebron Protocol which outlined the redeployment of Israeli forces from parts of Hebron in the West Bank granting the government greater control over the city Israel and the Palestinian government signed the Wye River Memorandum in 1998 aiming to advance the implementation of the Oslo Accords The agreement included provisions for Israeli withdrawals and security cooperation The period of the Oslo Years brought a great prosperity to the government controlled areas despite some economic issues The Palestinian Authority built the country s second airport in Gaza after the Jerusalem International Airport Inaugural ceremony of the airport was attended by Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela In 1999 Ehud Barak assumed the position of Israeli Prime Minister renewing efforts to reach a final status agreement with the Palestinians The Camp David Summit in 2000 aimed to resolve the remaining issues but concluded without a comprehensive agreement serving as a milestone in the peace process Second intifada and civil war Civil unrest in Hebron A peace summit between Yasser Arafat and Ehud Barak was mediated by Bill Clinton in 2000 It was supposed to be the final agreement ending conflict officially forever However the agreement failed to address the Palestinian refugee issues status of Jerusalem and Israeli security concerns Both sides blamed each other for the summit failures This became one of the main triggers for the uprising that would happen next In September 2000 then opposition leader from the Likud Party Ariel Sharon made a proactive visit to the Temple Mount and delivered a controversial speech which angered Palestinian Jerusalemites The tensions escalated into riots Bloody clashes took place around Jerusalem Escalating violence resulted in the closure of Jerusalem Airport which haven t operated till date More and more riots between Jews and Arabs took place in October 2000 in Israel The Church of the Nativity under siege in 2002 In the same month two Israeli soldiers were lynched and killed in Ramallah Between November and December clashes between Palestinians and Israelis increased further In 2001 Taba summit was held between Israel and Palestine But the summit failed to implement and Ariel Sharon became prime minister in the 2001 elections By 2001 attacks from Palestinian militant groups towards Israel increased Gaza Airport was destroyed in an airstrike by the Israeli army in 2001 claiming itself in retaliation to previous attacks by Hamas In January 2002 the IDF Shayetet 13 naval commandos captured the Karine A a freighter carrying weapons from Iran towards Israel UNSC Resolution 1397 was passed which reaffirmed a two state solution and laid the groundwork for a road map for peace Another attack by Hamas left 30 people killed in Netanya A peace summit was organized by the Arab League in Beirut which was endorsed by Arafat and nearly ignored by Israel In 2002 Israel launched Operation Defensive Shield after the Passover massacre Heavy fighting between IDF and Palestinian fighters took place in Jenin The Church of the Nativity was besieged by the IDF for one week until successful negotiations took place which resulted in withdrawal of the Israeli troops from the church Between 2003 and 2004 people from Qawasameh tribe in Hebron were either killed or blew themselves in suicide bombing Ariel Sharon ordered construction of barriers across Palestinian controlled areas and Israeli settlements in the West Bank to prevent future attacks Saddam Hussein provided financial support to Palestinian militants from Iraq during the intifada period from 2000 until his overthrow in 2003 A peace proposal was made in 2003 which was supported by Arafat and rejected by Sharon In 2004 Hamas s leader and co founder Ahmed Yassin was assassinated by the Israeli army in Gaza Yasser Arafat was confined to his headquarters in Ramallah On 11 November Yasser Arafat died in Paris Demonstration against road block Kafr Qaddum March 2012 In the first week of 2005 Mahmoud Abbas was elected as the president of the State of Palestine In 2005 Israel completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip by destroying its settlements over there By 2005 the situation began de escalating In 2006 Hamas won in Palestinian legislative elections This led to a political standoff with Fatah Armed clashes took place across both the West Bank and the Gaza Strip The clashes turned into a civil war which ended in bloody clashes on the Gaza Strip As a result Hamas gained control over all the territory of Gaza Hundreds of people were killed in the civil war including militants and civilians Since then Hamas has gained more independence in its military practices Since 2007 Israel has been leading a partial blockade on Gaza Another peace summit was organized by the Arab League in 2007 with the same offer which was presented at the 2002 summit However the peace process could not progress The PNA gained full control of the Gaza Strip with the exception of its borders airspace and territorial waters Continued conflict Israeli settlements in the West Bank The division between the West Bank and Gaza complicated efforts to achieve Palestinian unity and negotiate a comprehensive peace agreement with Israel Multiple rounds of reconciliation talks were held but no lasting agreement was reached The division also hindered the establishment of a unified Palestinian state and led to different governance structures and policies in the two territories Throughout this period there were sporadic outbreaks of violence and tensions between Palestinians and Israelis Since 2001 Incidents of rocket attacks from Gaza into Israeli territory and Israeli military operations in response often resulted in casualties and further strained the situation Following the inter Palestinian conflict in 2006 Hamas took over control of the Gaza Strip it already had majority in the PLC and Fatah took control of the West Bank From 2007 the Gaza Strip was governed by Hamas and the West Bank by the Fatah party led Palestinian Authority International efforts to revive the peace process continued The United States under the leadership of different administrations made various attempts to broker negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians However significant obstacles such as settlement expansion the status of Jerusalem borders and the right of return for Palestinian refugees remained unresolved excessive citations In recent years diplomatic initiatives have emerged including the normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states known as the Abraham Accords These agreements while not directly addressing the Israeli Palestinian conflict have reshaped regional dynamics and raised questions about the future of Palestinian aspirations for statehood The status quo remains challenging for Palestinians with ongoing issues of occupation settlement expansion restricted movement and economic hardships The most recent outbreak of violence in the region is the Israel Hamas war 2023 present involving fighting between Israel and Hamas led Palestinian forces in the Gaza Strip with a simultaneous spillover of the war occurring in the West Bank GeographyLocated around Nablus Mount Gerizim is holiest site for Samaritans Areas claimed by the country known as the Palestinian territories lie in the Southern Levant of the Middle East region Palestine is part of the Fertile Crescent along with Israel Jordan Lebanon Iraq and Syria The Gaza Strip borders the Mediterranean Sea to the west Egypt to the south and Israel to the north and east The West Bank is bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the north south and west Palestine shares its maritime borders with Israel Egypt and Cyprus Thus the two enclaves constituting the area claimed by the State of Palestine have no geographical border with one another being separated by Israel These areas would constitute the world s 163rd largest country by land area better source needed The West Bank is a mountainous region It is divided in three regions namely the Mount Nablus Jabal Nablus the Hebron Hills and Jerusalem Mountains Jibal al Quds The Samarian Hills and Judean Hills are mountain ranges in the West Bank with Mount Nabi Yunis at a height of 1 030 metres 3 380 ft in Hebron Governorate as their highest peak Until 19th century Hebron was highest city in the Middle East While Jerusalem is located on a plateau in the central highlands and is surrounded by valleys The territory consists of fertile valleys such as the Jezreel Valley and the Jordan River Valley Palestine is home to world s largest olive tree located in Jerusalem Around 45 of Palestine s land is dedicated to growing olive trees Palestine features significant lakes and rivers that play a vital role in its geography and ecosystems The Jordan River flows southward forming part of Palestine s eastern border and passing through the Sea of Galilee before reaching the Dead Sea According to Christian traditions it is site of the baptism of Jesus The Dead Sea bordering the country s east is the lowest point on the earth Jericho located nearby is the lowest city in the world Villages and suburban areas around Jerusalem are home to ancient water bodies There are several river valleys wadi across the country These waterways provide essential resources for agriculture and recreation while supporting various ecosystems Three terrestrial ecoregions are found in the area Eastern Mediterranean conifer sclerophyllous broadleaf forests Arabian Desert and Mesopotamian shrub desert Palestine has a number of environmental issues issues facing the Gaza Strip include desertification salination of fresh water sewage treatment water borne diseases 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 Climate Temperatures in Palestine vary widely The climate in the West Bank is mostly Mediterranean slightly cooler at elevated areas compared with the shoreline west to the area In the east the West Bank includes much of the Judean Desert including the western shoreline of the Dead Sea characterised by dry and hot climate Gaza has a hot semi arid climate Koppen BSh with mild winters and dry hot summers 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 Biodiversity Camels on Judaean Desert 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 Efforts have been made to protect the biodiversity and natural beauty of the area The Judaean Desert is popular for Judaean Camels Qalqilya Zoo in Qalqilya Governorate is the only zoo currently active in the country Gaza Zoo was closed due to poor conditions Israeli government have built various national parks in the Area C which is also considered illegal under international law Government and politicsPresident Mahmoud AbbasPrime Minister Mohammad Mustafa Mausoleum of Yasser Arafat at the Palestinian Authority s headquarters in Ramallah Palestine operates a semi presidential system of government The country consists of the institutions that are associated with the Palestine Liberation Organization PLO which includes the President of the State of Palestine who is appointed by the Palestinian Central Council the Palestinian National Council and the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization which performs the functions of a government in exile excessive citations maintaining an extensive foreign relations network The PLO is combination of several political parties These should be distinguished from the President of the Palestinian National Authority Palestinian Legislative Council and PNA Cabinet all of which are instead associated with the Palestinian National Authority PNA Palestine s founding document is the Palestinian Declaration of Independence which should be distinguished from the unrelated PLO Palestinian National Covenant and PNA Palestine Basic Law The Palestinian government is divided into two geographic entities the Palestinian Authority governed by Fatah which has partial control over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip which is under control of the militant group Hamas Fatah is a secular party that was founded by Yasser Arafat and enjoys relatively good relations with the western powers On the other hand Hamas is a militant group based on Palestinian nationalist and Islamic ideology inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood Hamas has tense relations with the United States but receives support from Iran Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine is another popular secular party which was founded by George Habash Mahmoud Abbas is the president of the country since 2005 Mohammad Shtayyeh was the prime minister of Palestine who resigned in 2024 In 2024 Mohammad Mustafa was appointed as the new prime minister of the country after resigning of Shtayyeh Yahya Sinwar was leader of the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip before his death on 16 October 2024 According to Freedom House the PNA governs Palestine in an authoritarian manner including by repressing activists and journalists critical of the government Jerusalem including Haram ash Sharif 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 Muqata hosts state ministries and representative office In 2000 a government building was built in Jerusalem suburb of Abu Dis to house office of Yasser Arafat and Palestinian parliament Since second intifada condition of the town made this site unsuitable to operate as a capital either temporarily or permanently Nevertheless the Palestinian entity have maintained their presence in the city As few parts of the city is also under Palestinian control and many some countries have their consulates in Jerusalem Administrative divisions Palestinian Governorates official Palestinian controlled areas The State of Palestine is divided into sixteen administrative divisions 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 Area B forms 22 of the West Bank and is under Palestinian civil control and joint Israeli Palestinian security control 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 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 There are about 330 000 Israelis living in settlements in Area C Although Area C is under martial law Israelis living there are entitled to full civic rights 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 Jerusalem District of Israel but is claimed by Palestine as part of the Jerusalem Governorate It was effectively annexed by Israel in 1967 by application of Israeli law jurisdiction and administration under a 1948 law amended for the purpose this purported annexation being constitutionally reaffirmed by implication in Basic Law Jerusalem 1980 but this annexation is not recognised by any other country In 2010 of the 456 000 people in East Jerusalem roughly 60 were Palestinians and 40 were Israelis However since the late 2000s Israel s 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 a Governorates of PalestineName Area km2 Population Density per km2 Muhafazah district capital Jenin 583 311 231 533 8 JeninTubas 402 64 719 161 0 TubasTulkarm 246 182 053 740 0 TulkarmNablus 605 380 961 629 7 NablusQalqiliya 166 110 800 667 5 QalqilyaSalfit 204 70 727 346 7 SalfitRamallah amp Al Bireh 855 348 110 407 1 RamallahJericho amp Al Aghwar 593 52 154 87 9 JerichoJerusalem 345 419 108a 1214 8 Jerusalem see Status of Jerusalem Bethlehem 659 216 114 927 9 BethlehemHebron 997 706 508 708 6 HebronNorth Gaza 61 362 772 5947 1 Jabalya citation needed Gaza 74 625 824 8457 1 Gaza CityDeir Al Balah 58 264 455 4559 6 Deir al BalahKhan Yunis 108 341 393 3161 0 Khan YunisRafah 64 225 538 3524 0 RafahArabic فلسطين romanized Filasṭin pronounced fɪlastˤiːn Arabic دولة فلسطين romanized Dawlat Filasṭin pronounced dawlat fɪlastˤiːn Data from Jerusalem includes occupied East Jerusalem with its Israeli population Data from Jerusalem includes occupied East Jerusalem with its Israeli population Foreign relations Foreign relations are maintained in the framework of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Palestine Liberation Organization PLO represents the State of Palestine and maintains embassies in countries that recognize it It 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 The Vatican shifted recognition to the State of Palestine in May 2015 following the 2012 UN vote This change aligned with the Holy See s evolving position Indian prime minister Narendra Modi with Mahmoud Abbas in at Ramallah in 2018 Currently 146 UN member states 75 recognize the State of Palestine Though some do not recognize it they acknowledge the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people The PLO s executive committee acts as the government empowered by the PNC It is a full member of the Arab League the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Union for the Mediterranean 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 excessive citations Members of the Arab League and member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have strongly supported the country s position in its conflict with Israel Iran has been a strong ally of Palestine since the Islamic revolution and has provided military support to Palestinian fedayeen and militant groups including Hamas through its Axis of Resistance which includes a military coalition of governments and rebels from Iraq Syria Lebanon and Yemen excessive citations Hamas is also part of the axis of resistance Even before the emergence of the Iran backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq Iraq was a strong supporter of Palestine when it was under the Ba athist government of Saddam Hussein Turkey is a supporter of Hamas and Qatar has been a key financial supporter and has hosted Hamas leaders In 1988 as part of the request to admit it to UNESCO an explanatory note was prepared that listed 92 states that had recognized the State of Palestine including both Arab and non Arab states such as India 19 Once a strong ally of Palestine India has strengthened its ties with Israel since 1991 Muammar Gaddafi of Libya was a supporter of Palestinian independence and was sought as a mediator in the Arab Israeli conflict when he presented a one state peace offer titled Isratin in 2000 Relations with the United Arab Emirates deteriorated when it signed normalization agreement with Israel During the Sri Lankan Civil War the PLO provided training for Tamil rebels to fight against the Sri Lankan government The Republic of Ireland Venezuela and South Africa are political allies of Palestine and have strongly advocated for establishment of independent Palestine As a result of the ongoing war support for the country has increased Since Israel s invasion of Gaza many countries in support of Palestinians have officially recognized the country This includes Armenia Spain Norway The Bahamas Jamaica Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago Status and recognition The Palestine Liberation Organization PLO declared the establishment of the State of Palestine on 15 November 1988 There is a wide range of views on the legal status of the State of Palestine both among international states and legal scholars The existence of a state of Palestine is recognized by the states that have established bilateral diplomatic relations with it In January 2015 the International Criminal Court affirmed Palestine s State status after its UN observer recognition a move condemned by Israeli leaders as a form of diplomatic terrorism In December 2015 the UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding Palestinian sovereignty over natural resources in the occupied territories It called on Israel to cease exploitation and damage while granting Palestinians the right to seek restitution In 1988 the State of Palestine s declaration of independence was acknowledged by the General Assembly with Resolution 43 177 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 In August 2015 Palestine s representatives at the United Nations 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 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 After the vote which was passed by 119 votes to 8 with 45 countries abstaining the US Ambassador Samantha Power said that raising the Palestinian flag will not bring Israelis and Palestinians any closer together US Department of State spokesman Mark Toner called it a counterproductive attempt to pursue statehood claims outside of a negotiated settlement 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 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 International recognition State of Palestine Countries that have recognised the State of Palestine Countries that have not recognised the State of Palestine The State of Palestine has been recognized by 146 of the 193 UN members and since 2012 has had a status of a non member observer state in the United Nations This limited status is largely due to the fact that the United States a permanent member of the UN Security Council with veto power has consistently used its veto or threatened to do so to block Palestine s full UN membership On 29 November 2012 in a 138 9 vote with 41 abstentions and 5 absences 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 excessive citations Palestine s UN status is equivalent to that of the Holy See 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 and Palestine has instructed its diplomats to officially represent The State of Palestine no longer the Palestinian National Authority On 17 December 2012 UN Chief of Protocol Yeocheol Yoon declared that the designation of State of Palestine shall be used by the Secretariat in all official United Nations documents thus recognising the title State of Palestine as the state s official name for all UN purposes on 21 December 2012 a UN memorandum discussed appropriate terminology to be used following GA 67 19 It was noted therein that there was no legal impediment to using the designation Palestine to refer to the geographical area of the Palestinian territory At the same time it was explained that there was also no bar to the continued use of the term Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem or such other terminology as might customarily be used by the Assembly As of 21 June 2024 146 75 6 of the 193 member states of the United Nations have recognised the State of Palestine Many of the countries that do not recognise the State of Palestine nevertheless recognise the PLO as the representative of the Palestinian people The PLO s Executive Committee is empowered by the Palestinian National Council to perform the functions of government of the State of Palestine On 2 April 2024 Riyad Mansour the Palestinian ambassador to the UN requested that the Security Council consider a renewed application for membership As of April seven UNSC members recognize Palestine but the US has indicated that it opposes the request and in addition US law stipulates that US funding for the UN would be cut off in the event of full recognition without an Israeli Palestinian agreement On 18 April the US vetoed a widely supported UN resolution that would have admitted Palestine as a full UN member A May 2024 UNGA resolution came into force with the 2024 general assembly The resolution which recognized the Palestinian right to become a full member state also granted the right to Palestinians to submit proposals and amendments and Palestine was permitted to take a seat with other member states in the assembly Military 25th anniversary of Hamas taking place in Gaza The Palestinian Security Services consists of the armed forces and intelligence agencies which were established during the Oslo Accords Their function is to maintain internal security and enforce law in the PA controlled areas It does not operate as an independent armed force of a country Before the Oslo Accords the PLO led armed rebellion against Israel which included coalition of militant groups and included its own military branch the Palestine Liberation Army However since the 1993 1995 agreements it has been inactive and operates only in Syria Palestinian fedayeen are the Palestinian militants and guerilla army They are considered as freedom fighter by Palestinians and terrorists by Israelis Hamas considers itself as an independent force which is more powerful and influential than PSF along with other militant organizations such as Islamic Jihad Al Quds Bridage It is a guerilla army which is supported by Iran Qatar and Turkey According to the CIA World Factbook the Qassam Brigades have 20 000 to 25 000 members although this number is disputed Israel s 2005 withdrawal from Gaza provided Hamas with the opportunity to develop its military wing Iran and Hezbollah have smuggled weapons to Hamas overland through the Sinai Peninsula via Sudan and Libya as well as by sea Intensive military training and accumulated weapons have allowed Hamas to gradually organize regional units as large as brigades containing 2 500 3 500 fighters each Since 2020 joint exercises conducted with other militant groups in Gaza like the Palestinian Islamic Jihad PIJ have habituated units to operating in a coordinated fashion supported Hamas command and control and facilitated cooperation between Hamas and smaller factions Such efforts began in earnest in 2007 upon Hamas s seizure of power in the Gaza Strip Iran has since supplied materiel and know how for Hamas to build a sizable rocket arsenal with more than 10 000 rockets and mortar shells fired in the current conflict With Iran s help Hamas has developed robust domestic rocket production that uses pipes electrical wiring and other everyday materials for improvised production Law and security 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 The Palestinian Liberation Army PLA is the standing army of the Palestine Liberation Organization PLO It was established during the early years of the Palestinian national movement but has largely been inactive since the Oslo Accords The PLA s role was intended to be a conventional military force but has shifted to a more symbolic and political role EconomyPalestine is classified as a middle income and developing country by the IMF In 2023 GDP of the country was 40 billion and per capita around 4 500 Due to its disputed status the economic condition have been affected The CO2 emission metric tons per capita was 0 6 in 2010 According to a survey of 2011 Palestine s 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 Construction of Rawabi and surrounding industrial areas According to a report by the World Bank the economic impact of Israel s closure policy has been profound directly contributing to a significant decline in economic activity widespread unemployment and a rise in poverty since the onset of the Second Intifada in September 2000 The Israeli restrictions imposed on Area C alone result in an estimated annual loss of approximately 3 4 billion which accounts for nearly half of the current Palestinian GDP These restrictions have severely hindered economic growth and development in the region In the aftermath of the 2014 Gaza War where many structures were damaged or destroyed the flow of construction and raw materials into Gaza has been severely limited Additionally regular exports from the region have been completely halted exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the population Gaza before the 2023 war One of the burdensome measures imposed by Israel is the back to back system enforced at crossing points within Palestinian territories This policy forces shippers to unload and reload their goods from one truck to another resulting in significant transportation costs and longer transit times for both finished products and raw materials These additional expenses further impede economic growth and viability Under the 1995 Oslo II Accord it was agreed that governance of Area C would be transferred to the Palestinian Authority within 18 months except for matters to be determined in the final status agreement However Israel has failed to fulfill its obligations under the Oslo agreement highlighting the urgent need for accountability and an end to impunity The European Commission has highlighted the detrimental impact of the Israeli West Bank barrier estimating that it has led to an annual economic impoverishment of Palestinians by 2 3 of GDP Furthermore the escalating number of internal and external closures continues to have a devastating effect on any prospects for economic recovery in the region According to a 2015 study the economic impact of Israel s illegal use of Palestinian natural resources was conservatively estimated at US 1 83 billion equivalent to 22 of Palestine s GDP that year According to a World Bank report the manufacturing sector s share of GDP decreased from 19 to 10 between the signing of the Oslo Accords until 2011 The same report which adopted conservative estimates suggests that access to Area C in specific sectors like Dead Sea minerals telecommunications mining tourism and construction could contribute at least 22 to Palestinian GDP In fact the report notes that Israel and Jordan together generate around 4 2 billion annually from the sale of these products representing 6 of the global potash supply and 73 of global bromine output Overall if Palestinians had unrestricted access to their own land in Area C the potential economic benefits for Palestine could increase by 35 of GDP amounting to at least 3 4 billion annually Similarly water restrictions incurred a cost of US 1 903 billion equivalent to 23 4 of GDP while Israel s ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip resulted in a cost of 1 908 billion US representing 23 5 of GDP in 2010 These burdens are unsustainable for any economy artificially limiting Palestine s economic potential and its right to develop a prosperous society with a stable economy and sustainable growth The State of Palestine s overall gross domestic product GDP has declined by 35 in the first quarter of 2024 due to the ongoing war in Gaza the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics PCBS reports There was a stark difference between the West Bank which witnessed a decline of 25 and in the Gaza Strip the number is 86 amid the ongoing war The manufacturing sector decreased by 29 in the West Bank and 95 in Gaza while the construction sector decreased by 42 in the West Bank and essentially collapsed in Gaza with a 99 decrease Agriculture After Israel occupied the West Bank and Gaza Strip in 1967 Palestinian agriculture suffered significant setbacks The sector s contribution to the GDP declined and the agricultural labor force decreased The cultivated areas in the West Bank continuously declined since 1967 Palestinian farmers face obstacles in marketing and distributing their products and Israeli restrictions on water usage have severely affected Palestinian agriculture Over 85 of Palestinian water from the West Bank aquifers is used by Israel and Palestinians are denied access to water resources from the Jordan and Yarmouk Rivers In Gaza the coastal aquifer is suffering from saltwater intrusion Israeli restrictions have limited irrigation of Palestinian land with only 6 of West Bank land cultivated by Palestinians being irrigated while Israeli settlers irrigate around 70 of their land The Gulf War in 1991 had severe repercussions on Palestinian agriculture as the majority of exports were previously sent to Arab Gulf countries Palestinian exports to the Gulf States declined by 14 as a result of the war causing a significant economic impact Water supply and sanitation 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 The division of groundwater is subject to provisions in the Oslo II Accord agreed upon by both Israeli and Palestinian leadership citation needed Israel provides the Palestinian territories water from its own water supply and desalinated water supplies in 2012 supplying 52 MCM Generally the water quality is considerably worse in the Gaza Strip when compared to the West Bank About a third to half of the delivered water in the Palestinian territories is lost in the distribution network The lasting blockade of the Gaza Strip and the Gaza War have caused severe damage to the infrastructure in the Gaza Strip Concerning wastewater the existing treatment plants do not have the capacity to treat all of the produced wastewater causing severe water pollution The development of the sector highly depends on external financing Manufacturing Manufacturing sectors in Palestine include textiles food processing pharmaceuticals construction materials furniture plastic products stone and electronics Notable products include clothing olive oil dairy furniture ceramics and construction materials Before the Second Intifada Palestine had a strong industrial base in Jerusalem and Gaza Barriers erected in the West Bank have made movement of goods difficult the blockade of the Gaza Strip has severely affected the territory s economic conditions As of 2023 update according to the Ministry of Economy the manufacturing sector expected to grow by 2 5 and create 79 000 jobs over the following six years Palestine mainly exports articles of stone limestone marble 13 3 furniture 11 7 plastics 10 2 and iron and steel 9 1 Most of these products are exported to Jordan the United States Israel and Egypt Hebron is industrially most advanced city in the region and serves as an export hub for Palestinian products More than 40 of the national economy produced there The most advanced printing press in the Middle East is in Hebron Many quarries are in the surrounding region Silicon reserves are found in the Gaza territory Jerusalem stone extracted in the West Bank has been used for constructing many structures in Jerusalem Hebron is widely known for its glass production Nablus is noted for its Nablus soap Some of the companies operating in the Palestinian territories include Siniora Foods Sinokrot Industries Schneider Electric PepsiCo and Coca Cola Israeli Palestinian economic peace efforts have resulted in several initiatives such as the Valley of Peace initiative and Breaking the Impasse which promote industrial projects between Israel Palestine and other Arab countries with the goal of promoting peace and ending conflict These include joint industrial parks opened in Palestine The Palestinian Authority has built industrial cities in Gaza Bethlehem Jericho Jenin and Hebron Some are in joint cooperation with European countries Energy A solar plant in Jericho Palestine does not produce its own oil or gas But as per UN reports sizeable reserves of oil and gas lie in the Palestinian territories Due to its state of conflict most of the energy and fuel in Palestine are imported from Israel and other all neighboring countries such as Egypt Jordan and Saudi Arabia In 2012 electricity available in West Bank and Gaza was 5 370 GW hour 3 700 in the West Bank and 1 670 in Gaza while the annual per capita consumption of electricity after deducting transmission loss was 950 kWh The Gaza Power Plant is the only power plant in the Gaza Strip It is owned by Gaza Power Generating Company GPGC a subsidiary of the Palestine Electric Company PEC Jerusalem District Electricity Company a subsidiary of PEC provides electricity to Palestinian residents of Jerusalem Government officials have increasingly focused on solar energy to reduce dependency on Israel for energy Palestine Investment Fund have launched Noor Palestine a project which aims to provide power in Palestine Qudra Energy a joint venture between Bank of Palestine and NAPCO have established solar power plants across Jammala Nablus Birzeit and Ramallah In 2019 under Noor Palestine campaign first solar power plant and solar park was inaugurated in Jenin Two more solar parks have been planned for Jericho and Tubas A new solar power plant is under construction at Abu Dis campus of Al Quds University for serving Palestinian Jerusalemites Oil and gas Palestine holds massive potential reserves of oil and gas Over 3 billion barrels 480 000 000 m3 of oil are estimated to exist off the coast and beneath occupied Palestinian lands The Levant Basin holds around 1 7 billion barrels 270 000 000 m3 of oil with another 1 5 billion barrels 240 000 000 m3 beneath the occupied West Bank area Around 2 billion barrels 320 000 000 m3 of oil reserves are believed to exist in shore of the Gaza Strip According to a report by the UNCTAD around 1 250 billion barrels 1 99 1011 m3 of oil reserves are in the occupied Palestinian territory of the West Bank probably the Meged oil field As per the Palestinian Authority 80 of this oil field falls under the lands owned by Palestinians Masadder a subsidiary of the Palestine Investment Fund is developing the oilfield in the West Bank Block 1 field which spans an area of 432 square kilometres 167 sq mi from northwest Ramallah to Qalqilya in Palestine has significant potential for recoverable hydrocarbon resources It is estimated to have a P90 a level of certainty of 0 03 billion barrels 4 800 000 m3 of recoverable oil and 6 000 000 000 cubic feet 170 000 000 m3 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 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 Natural gas in Palestine is mostly found in Gaza Strip Gaza Marine is a natural gas field located around 32 kilometres 20 mi from the coast of the territory in the Mediterranean shore It holds gas reserves ranging between 28 billion cubic metres 990 billion cubic feet to 32 billion cubic metres 1 1 trillion cubic feet These estimates far exceed the needs of the Palestinian territories in energy The gas field was discovered by the British Gas Group in 1999 Upon the discovery of the gas field it was lauded by Yasser Arafat as a Gift from God A regional cooperation between the Palestinian Authority Israel and Egypt were signed for developing the field and Hamas also gave approval to the Palestinian Authority However since the ongoing war in Gaza this project have been delayed Transportation A multilingual signboard in Hebron Governorate Two airports of Palestine Jerusalem International Airport and Gaza International Airport were destroyed by Israel in the early years of the second intifada Since then no 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 Gaza Strip is the only coastal region of Palestine where Port of Gaza is located It is under naval siege by Israel since the territory s blockade During Oslo years the Palestinian government collaborated with the Netherlands and France to build an international seaport but the project was abandoned In 2021 then prime minister of Israel Naftali Bennett launched a development project for Gaza which would include a seaport Tourism Al Deira Hotel in Gaza before the 2023 Israel Hamas warJerusalem is holy for world s three major religions Christianity Islam and Judaism as well as for Mandaeism Tourism in the country 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 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 Lonely Planet travel guide writes that the West Bank is not the easiest place in which to travel but the effort is richly rewarded Sacred sites such as the Western Wall the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Al Aqsa Mosque draw countless pilgrims and visitors each year In 2013 Palestinian Authority Tourism minister stated that her government aims to encourage international visits to Palestine but the occupation is the main factor preventing the tourism sector from becoming a major income source to Palestinians There are no visa conditions imposed on foreign nationals other than those imposed by the visa policy of Israel Access to Jerusalem the West Bank and Gaza is completely controlled by the government of Israel Entry to the occupied Palestinian territories requires only a valid international passport Tourism is mostly centered around Jerusalem and Bethlehem Jericho is a popular tourist spot for local Palestinians Communications Palestine is known as the Silicon Valley of NGOs The high tech industry in Palestine have experienced good growth since 2008 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 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 About 80 of the Palestinian households have access to the internet in their homes and about a third have a computer 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 Financial services A bank in Salfit The Palestine Monetary Authority has issued guidelines for the operation and provision of electronic payment services including e wallet and prepaid cards Protocol on Economic Relations also known as Paris Protocol was signed between the PLO 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 Israeli banks This resulted in an under banked region and a cash based economy Currently there are 14 banks operating in Palestine including Palestinian Jordanian and Egyptian banks compared to 21 in 2000 The number of banks has decreased over time due to mergers and acquisitions 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 The banking sector has shown impressive annual growth rates in deposits and loan portfolios surpassing global averages The combined loan facilities provided by all banks on 31 December 2018 amounted to US 8 4 billion marking a significant growth of 492 percent compared to US 1 42 billion in 2007 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 This showcases a remarkable 737 percent increase between 2007 and 2018 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 DemographicsAccording 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 Ala Owad the president of the PCBS estimated a population of 5 3 million as of end year 2021 Within an area of 6 020 square kilometres 2 320 sq mi there is a population density of about 827 people per square kilometer To put this in a wider context the average population density of the world was 25 people per square kilometre as of 2017 Half of the Palestinian population live in the diaspora or are refugees Due to being in a state of conflict with Israel the subsequent wars have resulted in the widespread displacement of Palestinians known as Nakba or Naksa In the 1948 war around 700 000 Palestinians were expelled Most of them are seeking refuge in neighboring Arab countries like Jordan Iraq Lebanon and Egypt while others live as expats in Saudi Arabia Qatar Oman and Kuwait A large number of Palestinians can be found in the United States the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe Population Largest cities or towns in PalestineRank Name Governorate Pop Gaza Jerusalem 270 1 Gaza Gaza Governorate 766 331 Hebron Nablus2 Jerusalem 270 Jerusalem Governorate 542 4003 Hebron Hebron Governorate 308 7504 Nablus Nablus Governorate 239 7725 Khan Yunis Khan Yunis Governorate 179 7016 Jabalia North Gaza Governorate 165 1107 Rafah Rafah Governorate 158 4148 Jenin Jenin Governorate 115 3059 Ramallah Ramallah and al Bireh 104 17310 Beit Lahia North Gaza Governorate 86 526 Religion Religion of Palestinians 2017 census Islam 98 97 Christianity 1 00 others 0 03 The country has been known for its religious significance and site of many holy places with religion playing an important role in shaping the country s society and culture It is traditionally part of the Holy Land which is considered sacred land to Abrahamic religions and other faiths as well The Basic Law states that Islam is the official religion but also grants freedom of religion calling for respect for other faiths Religious minorities are represented in the legislature for the Palestinian National Authority 98 of Palestinians are Muslim the vast majority of whom are followers of the Sunni branch of Islam and a small minority of Ahmadiyya 15 are nondenominational Muslims Palestinian Christians represent a significant minority of 1 followed by much smaller religious communities including Baha is and Samaritans The largest concentration of Christians can be found in Bethlehem Beit Sahour and Beit Jala in the West Bank as well as in the Gaza Strip Denominationally most Palestinian Christians belong to Eastern Orthodox or Oriental Orthodox churches including the Greek Orthodox Church Armenian Apostolic Church and Syriac Orthodox Church Additionally there are significant group of Roman Catholics Greek Catholics Melkites and Protestant denominations With a population of 350 people Samaritans are highly concentrated around the Mount Gerizim Due to similarities between Samaritanism and Judaism Samaritans are often referred to as the Jews of Palestine The PLO considers those Jews as Palestinians who lived in the region peacefully before the rise of Zionism Certain individuals especially anti Zionists consider themselves Palestinian Jews such as Ilan Halevi and Uri Davis Around 600 000 Israeli settlers mostly Jews live in the Israeli settlements illegal under international law across the West Bank Jericho synagogue situated in Jericho is the only synagogue maintained by the Palestinian Authority Holy sites in the State of Palestine Jerusalem is home to the Al Aqsa Mosque which is 3rd holiest site in Islam The Church of the Nativity is one of the most important sites for Christians Mount Gerizim is sacred to Samaritans The Cave of the Patriarchs is a holy site for Jews Muslims and Christians Nabi Musa is considered as Tomb of Moses in Islamic traditions Jericho synagogue is managed by the Palestinian Authority Nabi Yahya Mosque contains traditional tomb of John the BaptistLanguage Arabic is the official language of the State of Palestine with Palestinian Arabic commonly spoken by the local population Hebrew and English are also widely spoken Around 16 of the population consists of Israeli settlers whose primary language is typically Hebrew Additionally many Palestinians use Hebrew as a second or third language Ethnicity Armenians in Jerusalem Palestinians are natively Arab and speak the Arabic language Bedouin communities of Palestinian nationality comprise a minority in the West Bank particularly around the Hebron Hills and rural Jerusalem As of 2013 approximately 40 000 Bedouins reside in the West Bank and 5 000 Bedouins live in the Gaza Strip Jahalin and Ta amireh are two major Bedouin tribes in the country A large number of non Arab ethnic groups also live in the country with their members holding Palestinian citizenship as well These include groups of Kurds Nawar Assyrians Romani Druze Africans Dom Russians Turks and Armenians Most of the non Arab Palestinian communities reside around Jerusalem About 5 000 Assyrians live in Palestine mostly in the holy cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem An estimated population of between 200 and 450 black Africans known as Afro Palestinians live in Jerusalem A small community of Kurds live in Hebron The Nawar are a small Dom and Romani community living in Jerusalem who trace their origins to India The Russian diaspora is also found in Palestine particularly in the Russian Compound of Jerusalem and in Hebron Most of them are Christians of the Russian Orthodox Church In 2022 an estimate of approximately 5 000 6 000 Armenians lived across Israel and Palestine of which around 1 000 Armenians lived in Jerusalem Armenian Quarter and the rest lived in Bethlehem Since 1987 400 000 to 500 000 Turks live in Palestine Due to the 1947 1949 civil war many Turkish families fled the region and settled in Jordan Syria and Lebanon According to a 2022 news article by Al Monitor many families of Turkish origin in Gaza have been migrating to Turkey due to the deteriorating economic conditions in the besieged enclave Minorities of the country are also subjected to occupation and restrictions by Israel Education Students at Birzeit UniversityThe administration building of the Islamic University of Gaza 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 There is a gender difference in the population aged above 15 with 5 9 of women considered illiterate compared to 1 6 of men Illiteracy among women has fallen from 20 3 in 1997 to less than 6 in 2014 In the State of Palestine the Gaza Strip has the highest literacy rate According to a press blog of Columbia University Palestinians are the most educated refugees 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 Basic education in Palestine includes primary school grades 1 4 and preparatory school grades 5 10 Secondary education consists of general secondary education grades 11 12 and vocational education 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 educational ministry The West Bank and the Gaza Strip together have 14 universities 18 university colleges 20 community colleges and 3 000 schools An Najah National University in Nablus is the largest university in the country followed by Al Quds University in Jerusalem and Birzeit University in Birzeit near Ramallah excessive citations Al Quds University achieved a 5 star rating in quality standards and was termed the most socially responsible university in the Arab world In 2018 Birzeit University was ranked as one of the top 2 7 of universities worldwide in the 2019 edition of the World University Rankings Health A hospital in Bethlehem 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 The largest hospital of the West Bank is in Nablus while Al Shifa Hospital is largest in the Gaza Strip Operating under the auspices of the World Health Organization WHO the Health Cluster for the occupied Palestinian territory oPt was established in 2009 and represents a partnership of over 70 local and international nongovernmental organizations and UN agencies providing a framework for health actors involved in the humanitarian response for the oPt The Cluster is co chaired by the MOH to ensure alignment with national policies and plans 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 pursuant to the country cooperation strategy for WHO and the Occupied Palestinian Territory 2017 2020 CultureStreets of the Old City Jerusalem by night during Ramadan Palestinians are ethnically and linguistically considered part of the Arab world The culture of Palestine has had a heavy influence on religion arts literature sports architecture and cinema UNESCO have recognized Palestinian culture The Palestine Festival of Literature PalFest brings together Palestinian and international writers musicians and artists for a celebration of literature and culture The annual Palestine Cinema Days festival showcases Palestinian films and filmmakers Culture of Palestine is an amalgamation of indigenous traditions Arab customs and the heritage of various empires that have ruled the region The land of Palestine has witnessed the presence of ancient civilizations such as the Canaanites Philistines and Israelites each contributing to its cultural fabric The Arab conquest in the 7th century brought the influence of Islam which has been a cornerstone of Palestinian identity ever since Islamic traditions including language art and architecture have infused the culture with distinct features 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 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 Other notable cultural sites include the ancient city of Jericho the archaeological site of Sebastia and the town of Bethlehem excessive citations A large number of cultural centers are found throughout the country almost in all major cities In 2009 Jerusalem was named as Arab Capital of Culture and Bethlehem participated in the Arab Capital of Culture in 2020 Architecture Rawabi is home to the largest Roman amphitheatre in the Middle East Palestinian architecture encompasses a rich heritage that reflects the cultural and historical diversity of the region Throughout its history Palestinian architecture has been influenced by various civilizations including Islamic Byzantine Crusader and Ottoman Traditional Palestinian architecture is characterized by its use of local materials such as stone and traditional construction techniques The architectural style varies across different regions with notable features including arched doorways domes and intricate geometric patterns Islamic architecture has left a profound impact on Palestinian buildings Mosques mausoleums and madrasas showcase exquisite craftsmanship with notable examples including the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and the Great Mosque of Nablus Rawabi is home to the largest Roman amphitheatre in the Middle East and the Arab world Palestine is home to several Byzantine and Crusader architectural marvels The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem which dates back to the 4th century is a significant pilgrimage site The Crusader fortress of Krak des Chevaliers in the Golan Heights is another remarkable example During the Ottoman period numerous mosques palaces and public buildings were constructed throughout Palestine The iconic Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem underwent restoration and renovation in the Ottoman era showcasing a blend of Islamic and Byzantine architectural elements Rasem Badran and Mohamed Hadid are popular Palestinian architects In recent years modern architecture has emerged in Palestine blending traditional elements with contemporary designs The Palestinian Museum in Birzeit designed by Heneghan Peng Architects exemplifies this fusion incorporating local motifs and sustainable building practices International Convention Center in Bethlehem is a prominent structure showcasing contemporary Palestinian architecture Another notable building is the Palestinian National Theatre in Jerusalem Elements of modern architecture can be found in shopping malls luxury hotels technology parks and high rise skyscrapers The Palestine Trade Tower in Ramallah is the tallest building in Palestine A modern day city scene across Jerusalem with view of Temple Mount and Al Aqsa Art music and clothing Mohammed AssafPalestinian children in their traditional dress Traditional Palestinian music is deeply rooted in the region s history and culture It features instruments such as the oud a stringed instrument the qanun a type of zither and various percussion instruments Traditional folk songs often depict themes of love longing and daily life experiences Artists like Mohammad Assaf winner of the Arab Idol competition have gained international recognition for their renditions of traditional Palestinian songs Dabke is a popular Palestinian dance form accompanied by music The lively and rhythmic music is characterized by the use of the mijwiz a reed flute the tablah a drum and the handclapping of dancers Dabke songs are often performed at weddings celebrations and cultural events fostering a sense of community and shared identity Palestinian pop music has gained popularity in recent years blending modern elements with traditional influences Artists like Mohammed Assaf Amal Murkus and Rim Banna have contributed to the contemporary pop scene with their unique styles and powerful voices Their songs address both personal and political themes resonating with Palestinians and audiences worldwide Palestinian hip hop has emerged as a powerful medium for expressing the realities and struggles faced by Palestinians Artists such as DAM Shadia Mansour and Tamer Nafar have gained international recognition for their socially conscious lyrics addressing topics such as occupation identity and resistance Palestinian hip hop serves as a form of cultural resistance amplifying the voices of Palestinian youth Rim Banna was a Palestinian singer known for her ethereal vocals and her dedication to preserving Palestinian folk music Reem Kelani a Palestinian musician based in the United Kingdom is renowned for her powerful voice and her reinterpretation of traditional Palestinian songs Dalal Abu Amneh is a popular Palestinian singer and poet Media There are a number of newspapers news agencies and satellite television stations in the State of Palestine Its news agencies include Ma an News Agency Wafa and Palestine News Network Al Aqsa TV Al Quds TV and Sanabel TV are its main satellite broadcasters Cinema Palestinian cinema production is centered in Jerusalem with prominent local scenes in Ramallah Bethlehem and Nablus Makram Khoury Mohammad Bakri Hiam Abbass and Amal Murkus emerged as popular faces in Palestinian cinema during the 1970s and 1980s Areen Omari Valantina Abu Oqsa Saleh Bakri Tawfeek Barhom and Ashraf Barhom became popular in the mid 1990s while Leem Lubany and Clara Khoury have gained acclaim since 2000 Popular Palestinian movies include Wedding in Galilee 1987 Chronicle of a Disappearance 1996 Divine Intervention 2002 Paradise Now 2005 The Time That Remains 2009 and Omar 2013 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 Palestinian filmmakers often face unique challenges due to the political situation in the region with many films made under the rules and struggles of occupation 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 Sports Faisal Al Husseini International Stadium at Al Ram Jerusalem Palestine has been participating in the Olympic Games since 1996 with athletes competing in various sports including athletics swimming judo and taekwondo Palestinian Olympians represent their nation on the international stage The country is a member 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 Association football soccer is the most popular sport in the state of Palestine with the Palestine national football team representing the state in international football and governed by FIFA worldwide The Palestine Cup is the premier domestic football competition in Palestine It features teams from the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the winner represents Palestine in the AFC Cup Faisal Al Husseini International Stadium located Jerusalem stands as the largest stadium in Palestine It serves as the home ground for the national football team Other notable stadiums include Dora International Stadium in Hebron Palestine Stadium in Gaza and Nablus Football Stadium in the Nablus Mohammed Hamada is the first weightlifter from Palestine who won gold at 2022 International Weightlifting Federation Junior World Championships in Greece See alsoFlag of Palestine Geography of the State of Palestine History of agriculture in Palestine History of Palestinian journalism International recognition of the State of Palestine Mandatory Palestine Palestine region Palestinian self determinationNotesUnited States a permanent member of the Security Council with veto power has consistently used its veto or threatened to do so to block Palestine s full membership to UN The Palestinian Declaration of Independence proclaims the establishment of the State of Palestine on our Palestinian territory with its capital Jerusalem Al Quds Ash Sharif Israel exercises de facto control over Jerusalem but neither state s claims to Jerusalem are widely recognized by the international community Ramallah is the administrative capital where government institutions and foreign representative offices are located while most countries maintain their embassies to Israel in Tel Aviv In Oslo I Accord few parts of Jerusalem went under control of the Palestinian government but did not solved overall status of Jerusalem So far both presidents of the State of Palestine Yasser Arafat and his successor Mahmoud Abbas were appointed beforehand as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization the committee performing the functions of State of Palestine government See also Leaders of Palestinian institutions Israel allows the Palestinian National Authority to execute some functions in the Palestinian territories depending on the area classification It maintains minimal interference retaining control of borders air sea beyond internal waters land in the Gaza Strip its interior and Egypt portion of the land border are under Hamas control and varying degrees of interference elsewhere See also Israeli occupied territories Note that the name Palestine can commonly be interpreted as the entire territory of the former British Mandate which today also incorporates Israel The name is also officially used as the short form reference to the State of Palestine and this should be distinguished from other homonymous uses for the term including the Palestinian Authority the Palestine Liberation Organization and the subjects of other proposals for the establishment of a Palestinian state 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