Overview

Palestine is a term with several related meanings. Historically it names a geographic region on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean. In modern usage it often refers to the Palestinian people and their national aspirations, and to contemporary political constructs such as the Palestinian territories (West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip) and the State of Palestine declared in 1988.

Geography and population

The traditional region called Palestine spans a variety of landscapes: coastal plains, central highlands, the Jordan Rift Valley and desert areas to the east. Today most references to Palestine concern the West Bank and Gaza Strip, populated primarily by Palestinians — an Arab people whose majority practice Islam, with Christian and other minorities. Large Palestinian diasporas live across the Middle East and worldwide.

Historical background

  • Ancient and classical periods: the area was inhabited in antiquity by diverse peoples and city-states; names and control changed across millennia.
  • Medieval and Ottoman eras: ruled by successive empires and integrated into wider provincial administrations.
  • 20th century onward: the British Mandate (post‑World War I), the 1948 Arab–Israeli war and the 1967 Arab–Israeli war were turning points leading to mass displacement, the emergence of the Palestinian national movement, and competing territorial claims.

Modern politics and institutions

Political arrangements remain contested. The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) emerged as a representative body. The Palestinian National Authority (now commonly called the Palestinian Authority) was created as an interim self-government arrangement in the 1990s. In 1988 a proclamation of an independent State of Palestine was declared and since 2012 the United Nations General Assembly upgraded Palestine to non‑member observer state status. International recognition and control on the ground vary among states and institutions.

Culture, society and significance

Palestinian culture includes Arabic language, literature, music, cuisine and religious traditions shaped by centuries of local history and regional interaction. The question of Palestine is central to Middle Eastern politics, international law debates, humanitarian concerns over refugees and settlements, and ongoing diplomatic efforts for a negotiated resolution.

Distinctions and contested meanings

Different communities and disciplines use "Palestine" in distinct ways: as a geographical region, as a historical term, as the contemporary Palestinian territories, or as a political nation‑state claim. Because of these overlapping uses and the ongoing conflict in the area, clear definition often depends on context.