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Palestine

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Palestine is a country located in West Asia.

Palestine Base Map
Palestine Base Map

It is made up of two main areas called the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. These areas are often called the Palestinian territories. The West Bank sits next to Jordan to the east. The Gaza Strip is near Egypt to the southwest. Most of the land borders the country of Israel.

State of Palestine (orthographic projection)
State of Palestine (orthographic projection)

The proclaimed capital is Jerusalem. However, the city of Ramallah serves as the administrative center for the government.

The history of this land is very long and complex. For a long time, many different empires ruled this region. It sits at a crossroad where people from many places met. Merchants and armies from North Africa, China, and India once traveled through here. The name "Palestine" comes from ancient Greek words. It has been used to describe this area for thousands of years.

Camel - panoramio
Camel - panoramio

The region is also very important for many different religions.

In the early 1900s, the land was part of the Ottoman Empire. After World War I, the United Kingdom took control of the area. This period was known as the British Mandate. During this time, more Jewish people began to move to the region. This led to many disagreements and fights between Jewish and Arab communities. In 1947, the United Nations suggested dividing the land into two states. This plan was rejected by Palestinians and other Arab nations.

Map of Mandatory Palestine in 1946 with major cities (in English)
Map of Mandatory Palestine in 1946 with major cities (in English)

In 1948, a war broke out between Israel and Arab nations. This war led to the establishment of the State of Israel. Many Palestinians had to leave their homes during this time. They call this event the Nakba, which means "catastrophe."

Dayr Yassin (cropped)
Dayr Yassin (cropped)

Later, in 1967, Israel occupied the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Since then, there has been much conflict in the region. In 2023, new fighting began in Gaza. This has caused a very difficult humanitarian crisis for the people living there.

Today, more than five million people live in Palestine. Arabic is the official language spoken by most people. While many people follow Islam, many others follow Christianity.

Jerusalem Dome of the rock BW 14
Jerusalem Dome of the rock BW 14

Palestine is a member of groups like UNESCO and the Arab League. It is also recognized as a state by 157 of the 193 United Nations members.

Palestine recognition only
Palestine recognition only

Even with many challenges, the area has an emerging economy and many visitors come for tourism.

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🖼️ Images & Media (35)
Anthem of Palestine.ogg
File:State of Palestine (orthographic projection).svg
State of Palestine (orthographic projection).svg
File:Palestine Base Map.png
Palestine Base Map.png
File:Dayr Yassin (cropped).jpg
Dayr Yassin (cropped).jpg
File:Map of Mandatory Palestine in 1946 with major cities (in English).svg
Map of Mandatory Palestine in 1946 with...
File:Intifada in Gaza Strip (FL45956496).jpg
Intifada in Gaza Strip (FL45956496).jpg
File:Leader of the PLO, Yasser Arafat, 1996 Dan Hadani Archive.jpg
Leader of the PLO, Yasser Arafat, 1996...
File:Clashes_following_the_Cave_of_the_Patriarchs_massacre,_1994_Dan_Hadani_Archive_V.jpg
Clashes_following_the_Cave_of_the_Patriarc...
File:אוקטובר 2000 1.jpg
אוקטובר 2000 1.jpg
File:חומת מגן 21.jpg
חומת מגן 21.jpg
File:Demonstration against road block, Kafr Qaddum, March 2012 3.JPG
Demonstration against road block, Kafr...
File:Westbank Control & Access Restrictions Dec 2012.png
Westbank Control & Access Restrictions...

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