User:Kharbaan Ghaltaan/sandbox11

The State of Palestine
Flag Coat of arms
Capital	Jerusalem
Provisional	Ramallah
Largest city	Gaza
Official languages	Arabic
Ethnic groups	Arabs Armenians   Assyrians  1.0% Others Romani Dom Nawar Kurds Turks
Religion	93% Islam 6% Christianity 0.5% Druze 0.3% Samaritanism 0.2% Others
Demonym(s)	Palestinian
Government	Semi-presidential republic
• President	Mahmoud Abbas
• Prime Minister	Mohammad Mustafa
• Speaker of the Parliament	Aziz Dweik
Disputed
Area
• Total	6,020 km2 (2,320 sq mi) (163rd)
GDP (PPP)	2023 estimate
• Total	$44 billion
GDP (nominal)	estimate
• Total	$20 billion
Currency	Shekel
ISO 3166 code	PS

Palestine, officially known as the State of Palestine, is a country in the southern Levant in West Asia. Located in the

The wider historic region of Palestine, the country's history is deeply rooted in religious significance. Located in Fertile Crescent, the region is referred to as "cradle of civilization". Palestine have been ruled by various groups such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans. Jerusalem, along with Bethlehem and Hebron are among the holy cities, revered by the Jews, Christians and Muslims. During the Muslim conquest of the Levant in 7th century, the region came under Islamic control. Successive Islamic Caliphates' rule continued, until the Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099. Following Saladin's conquest of Palestine in 1187, Islamic rule was restored. The Mamluk Sultanate ruled from 13th century to 16th century. The Ottoman Empire ruled the region for 400 years, until the first world war. Following the British conquest of the region, Mandate territory was established, supporting Zionist movement, setting up stages for the conflict.

The modern Palestinian state have been in conflict since 1948, which was triggered during the British rule. Following the establishment of Mandate, British government facilitated immigration of the Jews, supporting Zionist movement. Intercommunal tensions increased between the Jews and Arab Muslims, sided with the Arab Christians. In 1947, the United Nations prepared a partition plan, rejected by the Arabs. The 1947–1949 civil war and the 1948 war resulted displacement of Palestinians from the lands captured by Israel, known as Nakba. The subsequent Arab–Israeli wars, including the Six Day War saw entire Palestinian territories occupied and Israel established illegal settlements. Palestinian militant groups, including the PLO led several rebellions against Israel. After 1993–1995 peace treaties, the interim government was formed to govern certain parts. After the second intifada, Israel withdrew completely from the Gaza Strip. However the occupation of the West Bank continues. The 2006–2008 civil war resulted Hamas takeover of the coastal enclave.

Palestinian people in the country have been subjected to occupation

Palestine, officially known as the State of Palestine is a country in the Middle East, located in Western Asia. It consists of two non-contiguous territories. The country has a combined land area of 6,020 square kilometers (2,320 sq mi) while its population is of 5.5 million people. Palestine shares most of the borders with Israel to the north, east and west, Jordan to the east, Egypt to the southwest and the Mediterranean Sea to the west and shares maritime border with Israel, Egypt and Cyprus. Majority of the population is Muslims, while minorities are Christians and Samaritans. Palestine's ethnic majority is of Arabs, with Assyrians, Kurds, Turks, Romani and Armenians forms minorities. Jerusalem is proclaimed capital, Ramallah serves as temporary administrative center and Gaza was largest city, until the Israel–Hamas war.Syria

Traditionally as part of the Holy Land or Al-Sham, the country is known for its religious significance and is home to important sites of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, as well as in Mandaeism and Samaritanism. Jerusalem is considered one the major holy city among the Abrahamic religions, followed by Bethlehem and Hebron. Numerous entities have ruled throughout the region including the Philistines, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Romans, Israelites, Byzantines, Caliphates, Crusades, Ayyubids and Mamluk. After multiple successive empires, the Ottoman Empire ruled the region for 400 years and lost in the World War I to the Britishers, which triggered the upcoming conflict. The British Empire's support for establishing a Jewish homeland in the region and support for Zionist movement created tensions among the immigrant Jews and Arabs.

Since then the modern history of the country have been dominated by years of ongoing conflict with Israel. Increasing tensions between the Jews and the Arabs urged the United Nations to make a partition plan, dividing the region and was rejected by the Arabs. The 1947–1949 civil war and the 1948 war resulted displacement of Palestinians from the lands captured by Israel, known as Nakba. The subsequent Arab–Israeli wars, including the Six Day War saw entire Palestinian territories occupied and Israel established illegal settlements. Palestinian militant groups, including the PLO led several rebellions against Israel. After 1993–1995 peace treaties, the interim government was formed to govern certain parts. After the second intifada, Israel withdrew completely from the Gaza Strip. The 2006–2008 civil war resulted Hamas takeover of the coastal enclave. Since then the conflict has escalated in a form.

Due to ongoing dispute with Israel, the country faces numerous challenges including the effect of occupation, expansion of settlements, settler attacks, political violence, economic blockade and restriction on movement. While status of Jerusalem, borders of the country and return of the refugees are the obstacles to the peace process. The country has one the highest literacy rates in the Middle East. Palestine holds potential reserves of hydrocarbon reserves, including crude oil and natural gas. The country maintains a moderate economy and receives frequent tourism. Palestine have been observer state and is part of the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Union for the Mediterranean.

History

Early History and religious significance

The Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron is burial site for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, along with their wives respectively. Hebron served as capital for the Kingdom of Israel, before King David moved it to Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Solomon, the Solomon's Temple was built and Jerusalem evolved as a spiritual center for Israelite and Jewish worship. Following the clashes between the tribes of Israel, Neo-Assyrian invasion caused Israelites fleeing the northern kingdom and scattering throughout the Euphrates and Nile. During the Babylonian conquest in 586 BCE, thousands of Jews were killed and held captive in Babylon (present-day in Iraq) and the Solomonic Temple was destroyed. Following the Persian conquest in 539 BC, the Jewish Kingdom was re-established and the Second Temple was built, funded by the Persian Empire.

The Jewish Kingdom lasted for 400 years, until the Roman Empire invaded the region in 63 BC. Romanian conquest led expulsion of the Jews. Many Jews were killed during the Romanian conquest. The Second Temple was destroyed again and could not built till-date. The Roman Empire declared Christianity as the official religions and Christian significance began to grow in the region. Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus, who later became the central figure of Christianity. He spent his life in Nazareth and Jerusalem, where he was later crucified. Jesus lived during the time of the Roman Empire. He was born around 4–6 BC in Bethlehem, which was a part of the Roman province of Judea at that time. Jesus began his ministry around 27–30 AD, during the reign of Emperor Tiberius. Jerusalem became an important center of Christian pilgrimage.

Most of the biblical prophets are also revered in Islam by the Muslims, marking Islamic significance of the land. According to Islamic traditions, Muhammad made a Night Journey (Isra' and Mi'raj) from Mecca to Jerusalem via Hebron in one day in 621. He prayed at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is 3rd holiest site in Islam The prayer direction (qibla) for the Muslims was at Jerusalem during the period of Hijrah, until it was shifted to Mecca in 624 AD.

Middle Ages: Muslim rule

Islamic significance of Jerusalem created zeal in Muslim leaders to conquest the Holy Land. In 638, Muslim army led by Omar led conquest of the Levantine region. After takeover of much of the Roman Empire and the Persian Empire, Muslim army reached to door of Jerusalem. Sophronius of Jerusalem agreed to handover Jerusalem to the Muslim empire and Omar managed to conquest the land, without any bloodshed. The Jews were brought back and granted protection, along with Christians. Several successive Islamic caliphates continued to rule the land until 1099, when Crusaders gathered Christian troops from the Europe and attack the region and established the Kingdom of Jerusalem. During the conquest, thousands of Muslims and Jews were massacred. The crusader rule came to an end in 1187, when Salahuddin Ayyubi conquested the land.

Early modern era: stages of conflict

By the end of 19th century, nationalist sentiments began to grow among the Arab inhabitants of the Ottoman territories. They wanted to establish themselves as a unified Arab state, feeling culturally distinct from the Ottoman Turks. The Arabs secretly formed alliance with the British, in its war against the Ottoman Empire. In exchange, the British Empire promised an independent Arab country. The British Empire also made a similar promise to the Jewish community of Europe, seeking financial support from them. In exchange, the British government supported the establishment of Jewish homeland in Palestine. It later came to known as Balfour Declaration in 1917. In the first world war, the Britishers won against the Ottoman Empire and took control of the region. The Arabs were unaware of the Sykes–Picot Agreement, which would later thrashed the dream of unified Arab state.

Following the establishment of the Mandatory territory, the British government facilitated the immigration of Jews to the region and supported Zionist movement. Untouched Arabs tolerated initially and began strike in 1929. Despite brutal repression by the British forces, the strikes continued. The Hebron riots in 1929, led displacement of Hebronite Jews. In order to stop the strike, the British government formed the Peel Commission. It proposed partition of Palestine into two separate states for Arabs and Jews. The plan was rejected and strike continued, until release of the White Paper in 1939. It rejected peel commission, limited immigration of Jews and proposed to establish a unified state for both Arabs and Jews. The plan proved to successful in ceasing the strike. However, the White Paper came out as a betrayal to the Zionist entity and they refused to accept it.

It caused massive protests across Jerusalem and Haifa. An insurgency by Zionist paramilitary groups began attacking the Britishers and the Arabs. A large number of terror attacks such as King David Hotel bombing and Haifa Oil Refinery massacre took place. The World War II begin and the Nazis began exterminating Jewish population. Then mufti of Jerusalem – Amin al-Husseini supported Hitler. While, a large number of Palestinians opposed Husseini's support to Hitler. The British forces also recruited Arabs, to fight against the Nazis. In the Jewish genocide, 60% of the European Jewish population was killed. Survivors of the genocide had no any option than coming to the region. Eventually, many Palestinian Arabs welcomed the Jewish survivors. Despite such stories of coexistence and peace, on other hands the Arabs and the Zionists came face to face.

Occupation and war

On 14 May 1948, David Ben-Gurion declared establishment of the State of Israel. The declaration was based on the UN partition plan. The Arab entity refused to accept the Israeli state and along with Transjordan, Egypt, Syria and Lebanon declared war on Israel. In the first Arab–Israeli war, Israel won and capture more lands allotted to the Arab state. It includes Beersheba, Ashkelon and Ashdod, which were supposed to be part of the Arab states. The war led displacement of 700,000 Palestinians, known as the Nakba. 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 later relocated to Lebanon in 1971. PLO

Yasser Arafat (1929–2004) was the titular president of the country from 1989 to 2004

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.

Since the 1950s, Palestinian fedayeen including the PLO led armed rebellion against Israel. A number of countries declared the PLO as terrorist group. On other sides, numerous countries like China and India considered PLO as a nationalist movement. After the 1967 war, the PLO moved to Jordan. It engaged in clashes with the Jordanian government of King Hussein and used to commence military operations against Israel. Following the 1970 civil war, the PLO moved to Lebanon and started operations. Israeli retaliation in 1982 during the Lebanese Civil War turned them to relocate Tunisia. By the late-1980s, the PLO approached towards a more moderate position. The PLO accepted Israel's right of existence and advocated for establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, which later became the Arab League's official position regarding the country's matter. Yasser Arafat issued Palestinian declaration of independence in 1988. Despite the approach, armed rebellion against Israel by the PLO continued. An incident in the Gaza Strip in 1987, turned the Palestinians to led an uprising against the Israeli occupation. The PLO participated in the uprising, by military confrontation against Israel. During the time of PLO's armed rebellion, Hamas was a charitable organization. It used to run hospitals and schools, teaching pacifist ideologies. Due to their charitable causes, Israel used to fund them and took advantage in retaliating against the PLO, confronted Israeli government.

The 1990–1991 Gulf War between Iraq and the 42 country coalition brought numerous Arab countries, including Palestine. Saddam Hussein was a strong supporter of Palestinian nationalist movement. He won support from Yasser Arafat during the war, which angered Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The Saudi government expelled Palestinians from its country. Days after the invasion of Kuwait, Saddam presented a fair peace offer for Israel to the United States government of George H. W. Bush, through Arafat. The peace proposal demanded Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip and Syrian Golan Heights. In exchange, the Iraqi Army will withdraw from Kuwait. However, the peace offer was ignored and the war continued. As a part of war, Saddam also ordered firing of scud missiles into Israeli territory. The move was widely supported by Palestinians and Saddam's legacy is viewed as Palestinian resistance. The war also resulted further displacement of Palestinians from Kuwait.

Oslo years and civil war

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. 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.

Failure of the 2000 Camp David Summit and controversial visit to the Temple Mount by Ariel Sharon angered Palestinians, who demonstrated and engaged in clashes with Israeli police and army, triggering the second intifada. Hamas and other armed factions conducted attacks across Tel Aviv, Haifa, Netanya and Jerusalem. In retaliation, IDF also conducted military operations in Palestinian areas, which also resulted Palestinian civilians causalities. In the late 2000, Gaza Airport and Jerusalem Airport ceased operations, with the former one was destroyed by Israel in 2001. Israel also bombed the under-construction seaport at Gaza. The PLO headquarters and other trade offices across Jerusalem were shut down by the Israeli authorities. Heavy fighting took place across Jenin, Ramallah and Hebron. Ariel Sharon ordered construction of barriers across the Palestinian enclaves and Israeli settlements in 2002, which causes today's difficulty in movement of Palestinians. Iran and Iraq both supported armed Palestinian rebellions against Israel financially. Hamas's co-founder Ahmed Yassin was killed in an airstrike by the Israeli army in 2004. Yasser Arafat was confined to his headquarters in Ramallah, by the Israeli authorities and died in France in end of 2004. The second intifada came to an end in 2005, though the exact event concluding the uprising remains disputed.

In 2006, Hamas won in Palestinian general election and shocked the international community. Israel and the United States refused to recognize the Hamas government. Tensions emerged between Fatah and Hamas, which turned into a civil war. Following the battle of Gaza in 2007, Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip and West Bank went in hands of Fatah-led Palestinian Authority.

Continued Conlfict

Salam Fayyad became prime minister in 2008. His premiership was dominated by economic improvement in the country.

Peace treaty and uprising

An incident in Gaza caused the Palestinians to start an uprising against the Israeli government, which took form in the name of the first intifada. 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.

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.

The 1990–1991 Gulf War between Iraq and United States–led coalition, brought all the Arab countries including Palestine into attention. Saddam Hussein was a strong supporter of Palestinian nationalist movement, also supported by Arafat during his war. Following the invasion of Kuwait by the Iraqi Armed Forces, Saddam sent a peace offer for Israel. It

Peace treaty and uprising

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 conflict, leading to heightened diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution. Saddam Hussein was a supporter of Palestine 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 expulsion of Palestinians from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, as their government supported Iraq.

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 Oslo Years, brought a great prosperity to the government-controlled areas, despite some economic issues. The Palestinian Authority built 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.

History (!)

Main article: History of Palestine

Prehistory

Jericho, in the northern West Bank, has been one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Ancient

The ancient history has been dominated by various civilizations. Around 1200 BCE, Canaanite city-states and kingdoms emerged in the region. In 1175 BCE, there was a Philistine invasion and settlement along the coast. Around 1000 BCE, King David established Jerusalem as the capital of the Israelite kingdom. In the 13th century BCE, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt during the Exodus and received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Joshua succeeded Moses as the leader of the Israelites and led the conquest of Canaan, establishing the Israelite presence in the land. In the 11th century BCE, the prophet Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel, marking the transition from a tribal confederation to a centralized monarchy.

David, a shepherd and warrior, became the second king of Israel and established Jerusalem as the capital city. Solomon, David's son, succeeded him as king and oversaw the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing the centrality of worship in the Israelite kingdom. After Solomon's death, the kingdom was divided into the northern Kingdom of Israel, consisting of ten tribes, and the southern Kingdom of Judah, comprised of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin in 928 BCE.

The northern Kingdom of Israel faced a series of wicked kings and fell into idolatry and moral decline, leading to its conquest by the Assyrians in 722 BCE. The southern Kingdom of Judah experienced periods of faithfulness and unfaithfulness to God, with prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah warning of impending judgment. In 586 BCE, the Babylonians, under King Nebuchadnezzar II, destroyed Jerusalem, including the First Temple, and exiled a significant portion of the population to Babylon. In 538 BCE, following the conquest of Babylon, Cyrus the Great of Persia allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the construction of the Second Temple commenced in 516 BCE, marking a significant milestone for Jewish rule in Palestine.

Classical

In 332 BCE, Alexander the Great's conquest brought Palestine under Hellenistic rule, introducing Greek influence to the region. In 167 BCE, the Maccabean Revolt broke out against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to suppress Jewish religious practices, leading to the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty. The Hasmonean dynasty ruled over an independent Jewish state in Palestine from 140 BCE to 63 BCE, with notable figures such as Judah Maccabee and John Hyrcanus.

In 63 BCE, Roman general Pompey captured Jerusalem, establishing Roman authority over Palestine. Roman rule in Palestine began in 6 CE when direct governance was implemented, appointing procurators to administer Judea. The First Jewish-Roman War erupted in 66 CE as a Jewish revolt against Roman rule, resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem's Second Temple in 70 CE. In 132 CE, the Bar Kokhba revolt, another major Jewish uprising, challenged Roman authority but was eventually suppressed in 135 CE. Roman citizenship was granted to free inhabitants of the Roman Empire, including those in Palestine, by Emperor Caracalla in 212 CE. The spread of Christianity gained momentum during Roman rule, leading to the construction of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem by Emperor Constantine in 326 CE. A devastating earthquake struck the region in 363 CE, causing significant destruction and loss of life. Palestine became a significant destination for Christian pilgrims in the 4th century as the Roman Empire underwent Christianization. Byzantine rule began to influence Palestine in the 5th century as the Roman Empire declined. Jewish communities faced restrictions and persecution under Roman rule, resulting in the diaspora and the scattering of Jewish populations throughout the empire. Tensions between the Jewish population and Roman authorities during the period of Roman rule often led to uprisings and revolts.

In 324 CE, Byzantine Emperor Constantine I declared Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire, laying the foundation for Byzantine rule over Palestine. Under Byzantine rule, the Council of Nicaea was convened in 325 CE to address theological disputes and establish doctrinal unity within Christianity. The construction of numerous churches and monasteries flourished in Palestine during the 4th and 5th centuries, reflecting the growing influence of Christianity. In 438 CE, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was rebuilt under the orders of Emperor Theodosius II, becoming a significant pilgrimage site. In 529 CE, Emperor Justinian I enacted a series of legal reforms known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, which had a lasting impact on Roman law and administration in Palestine. The Samaritan Revolts erupted in 529 CE and 556 CE, as the Samaritan population in Palestine rebelled against Byzantine rule. In 614 CE, the Sassanian Empire, allied with Jewish forces, invaded Palestine and briefly captured Jerusalem, causing significant damage to Christian holy sites. Byzantine Emperor Heraclius successfully recaptured Jerusalem in 629 CE, restoring Byzantine control over Palestine. Throughout Byzantine rule, Palestine experienced frequent border conflicts and raids with neighboring Arab tribes, including the Ghassanids and Lakhmids.

Middle Ages

Mosque of Omar, Jerusalem. From Archer and Kingsford's Story of the Crusades.

In 638, the Rashidun Caliphate, led by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, conquered Jerusalem, establishing Muslim control over Palestine. The Muslim rulers implemented a system known as dhimma, granting protection to non-Muslim communities and allowing them to practice their religion. The Jews were allowed back by Omar to settle in the region. In 878, the Tulunid dynasty, a local Egyptian-based caliphate, briefly gained control over Palestine. The Fatimid Caliphate, led by Caliph al-Muizz, conquered Jerusalem, ushering in a new era of Fatimid rule in Palestine in 969. In 1033, Cairo-born Fatimid Caliph al-Zahir ordered the construction of the northern entrance gate of the al-Aqsa Mosque, known as the Bab al-Ghawanima. The Fatimids promoted intellectual exchange and cultural diversity, contributing to the flourishing of various religious and scholarly activities.

In 1071, the Seljuk Turks, who were aligned with Baghdad-based Abbasid Caliphate, gained control over Jerusalem and other parts of Palestine. By the late 11th century, the Crusaders launched their campaigns, resulting in the capture of Jerusalem in 1099, effectively ending Muslim rule in Palestine. During the Crusaders conquest, thousands of Jews and Muslims were killed. Their rule remained until the recapture by Saladin in 1187. In 1187, Muslim forces, led by Salah ad-Din (Saladin), liberated Jerusalem from the Crusaders, marking the end of the Crusader presence in Palestine. In 1250, the Mamluks, a military slave caste, seized power in Egypt and extended their rule over Palestine. They established their capital in Cairo but maintained control over the region.

In 1267, the Mamluk Sultan Baybars ordered the reconstruction of the city walls of Jerusalem and fortified other key cities in the region. In 1291, the Mamluks successfully repelled the Crusaders' final attempt to recapture the coastal cities, solidifying Muslim control over Palestine. Throughout the Mamluk period, Palestine served as an important center for religious and scholarly activities. Mosques, madrasas (educational institutions), and caravanserais were established to support the needs of the Muslim population and travelers. In 1382, an earthquake struck the region, causing severe damage to various cities and architectural structures

By the early 16th century, the Mamluk Sultanate faced internal conflicts and political instability. In 1516, the Ottoman Empire, led by Sultan Selim I, conquered Palestine, marking the beginning of their rule over the region. Throughout the 18th century, Palestine experienced relative stability under Ottoman rule, with the region serving as an important center for trade and religious pilgrimage. In 1831, Palestine briefly fell under the control of Muhammad Ali Pasha of Egypt, who challenged Ottoman authority. However, Ottoman rule was restored in 1840 following the intervention of European powers. During the early centuries of Ottoman rule, Jews in Palestine generally enjoyed a degree of religious freedom and were allowed to practice their faith. They were recognized as "People of the Book" (Ahl al-Kitab) and were granted the status of dhimmis, which provided them with certain rights and protections under Islamic law. In the 16th century, Sultan Bayezid II welcomed Jewish refugees expelled from Spain.

Early modern and British mandate

Main article: History of Palestine under the British Mandate

In 1916, the Arab Revolt, led by figures such as Sharif Hussein of Mecca and T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), aimed to overthrow Ottoman rule in the Arabian Peninsula and Greater Syria, which included Palestine. During World War I, Palestine became a battleground between the Ottoman Empire and British forces. During the first world war, the British fought against the Ottomans. Both Jews and Arabs assisted the British forces in conquering Palestine. In 1917, British forces led by General Allenby defeated the Ottomans during the battle of Jerusalem and gained the region's control. Under the League of Nations issued mandate, the Mandatory territory established in 1920. The British government facilitated immigration of Jews fleeing persecution and established Jewish colonies.

Izz ad-Din al-Qassam,

Following the establishment of the Mandatory Territory, inter communal violence began among Jews and Arabs. 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. Izz ad-Din al-Qassam was killed by the British forces.

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, it is important to note that not all Muslims supported his actions, and there were instances where Muslims helped rescue Jews during the Holocaust. 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. 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.

Wars and occupation (!)

Tensions between the Zionists and Arabs escalated into a civil war. Zionist militias coordinated series of attacks on Palestinians across the region. Under Plan Dalet, numerous Palestinian villages were targeted, killed and expelled, an example of ethnic cleansing. One of the most widely known event was the mass killings of more than 100 Palestinian villagers in Deir Yassin near Jerusalem on 9th April 1948. Numerous Shi'ite villages were also depopulated by the Zionist militias. During the final stages of the civil war, Irgun forces captured the port city of Haifa. Approximately 15,000 Palestinian Arabs fled the city. According to some Jewish sources, 300 Palestinians were killed in Haifa, during the battle. On 14th May 1948, when the mandate's validity ceased, David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel and became first prime minister.

The Arab entity refused to accept the new Jewish state. Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, with support from Iraq, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, initiated the first Arab–Israeli War. The Arab coalition lost to Israel. Israel captured almost 60% of the area proposed for the Arab state, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, Jaffa, Lydda, Beersheba and Ramle area, Upper Galilee, some parts of the Negev and a wide strip along the Tel Aviv–Jerusalem road. Egypt occupied the Gaza Strip and Jordan occupied and annexed the West Bank, including East Jerusalem in its own territory. During the capture of Ramle and Lod, hundreds of Arab residents were killed and 50,000–70,000 were expelled. The war officially came to an end 20 July 1949. Over 700,000 Palestinian Arabs fled or were expelled from their homes in the area that became Israel. The event Palestinians referred is known as the Nakba. Expelled Palestinians sought refuge in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Between February and July 1949, Armistic agreements were signed between Israel and neighboring Arab countries.

After the war, 150,000 Palestinians remained in Israel and were eventually granted citizenship. However, they were subjected to military rule until 1966. After the end of the war more Palestinians were expelled. Throughout the 1950s, Palestinian fedayeen were supported by Jordan and Egypt. Between 1949 and 1956, Palestinian militants used to launch attacks against Israel. Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal and continuing restrictions of Israeli passage into the waterway, prompted Israel to gain it's control. On 29 October 1956, a coalition of Israel, France and the United Kingdom invaded the Gaza Strip, known as the Suez Crisis. Around 1,000 civilians were killed during the war, in the Khan Yunis massacre and Rafah massacre, by the coalition force. By pressure from the United States and the Soviet Union, the coalition forces withdrew. Although the Palestinians suffered damages, Israel neither won the war and eventually Suez Canal remained nationalized by Egypt. Following Egypt's victory over Suez Canal, Nasser emerged as a national hero among the Arab world, including Palestinians.

In midst of wars and occupation, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was established by Palestinian Arab nationalist Yasser Arafat in 1964, as a coalition of several other Palestinian political parties. The PLO launched attacks against Israel from Jordan, which also caused tensions with the Jordanian government. Due to misunderstandings, another Arab–Israeli war took place on 5 June 1967, known as the Six-Day War. It was fought between Israel and Jordan, Egypt and Syria, supported by Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The war was accidentally and unnecessary. Within six days, Israel defeated the Arab coalition. Israel occupied entire Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights of Syria and the entire Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. As a result of the war, around 280,000 to 325,000 Palestinians and 100,000 Syrians fled or were expelled from the occupied Palestinian and Syrian territories respectively. Since then Israel began establishing illegal settlements in the occupied territories for Israelis. The settlements are considered illegal. However, the Israeli government disputes the consideration. Following the Jordanian Civil War (1970–1971), the PLO moved to Lebanon, from where they began armed struggle. Between 1968 and 1982, the PLO launched numerous attacks against Israel. During the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990), in retaliation to the Coastal Road massacre in 1978, Israel invaded southern Lebanon and destroyed PLO bases. In the 1982 Lebanon War, the PLO was driven out by Israeli forces. Following their defeat in the war, the PLO relocated to Tunisia and continued their armed campaign.

By the mid 1980s, Arafat changed his direction, by accepting UN resolution 242 and accepting Israel's right of existence, alongside the Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders. However, PLO's armed rebellion continued. Following a road accident in Gaza on 9 December 1987, Palestinians living in occupied territories began the First Intifada (1987–1993). Palestinians demonstrated against Israeli occupation. The PLO also began its operation during the uprisings. During those times, Hamas was a charitable institution, recognized and funded by Israel. Israel took the situation's advantage and provided financial support to Hamas, combating its influence with secular and leftist PLO, which was on the offensive. Several bombings were coordinated during the uprisings, including Jericho bus bombing and . Several Israeli soliders were killed. Following Arafat's support for Iraq during the Gulf War (1990–1991), Palestine's relations with other Arab countries deteriorated, which were part of the multinational coalition against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Saddam Hussein, then president of Iraq, was strong supporter of Palestinian resistance movement. Following the invasion of Kuwait, he drafted a peace offer for Israel and Palestine to the United States. It demanded Israeli withdrawal from the West Bank and Gaza of Palestine and the Golan Heights of Syria. In exchange, Iraq will withdraw from Kuwait. Nevertheless, the offer was ignored. Later Saddam ordered firing of scud missiles into Israeli territory in 1991, which later became a symbol of Iraq's solidarity with Palestine

Following the Madrid Confernce of 1991, the PLO and Israeli government began secretly negotiating. As a result of the peace agreements, Israel and PLO mutually recognized. The Palestinian Authority was established in 1994, as an interim government, to govern Palestinian populated areas in the West Bank and Gaza. Arafat left Tunisia and returned to the country. The peace process was opposed by both Israelis and Palestinians. Islamist groups, such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad rejected the Oslo Accords and coordinated attacks on Israeli civilians. Israeli Jewish extremist groups also conducted attacks on Palestinians. The most notable was the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre in 1994, which resulted death of 29 Palestinian Muslims by mass shooting by Israeli extremist Baruch Goldstein. Majority of Israelis opposed the attack, however the confilict continued. Following its establishment, the new interim government began rebuilding the infrastructure of the country.

21st century (x)

The failure of the Camp David Summit and controversial visit to the Temple Mount by Ariel Sharon, turned Palestinians to led an uprising against the Israeli occupation. The Second Intifada (2000–2005) began on September 2000. Following the outbreak of the uprisings, riots took place across Jerusalem. Jerusalem International Airport was closed and Gaza International Airport was bombed by Israel in 2001. Two Israeli soliders were lynched in Ramallah in 2000. Islamist

Wars and occupation (I!)

The tensions between the Zionists and Arabs turned into a civil war. Zionist militias coordinated attacks on Palestinians across the region

Depopulated Palestinain Shi'ite villages, today part of Israel

During the 1947–1949 civil war, tensions increased between the Jews and Arabs. Zionist militias carried out armed campaigns against Palestinians. Haganah bombed a hotel in Jerusalem, killing 20 people. By April 1948, Plan Dalet was initiated. Under this military operation, numerous Palestinian villages were target. Palestinians living villages were targeted in the campaign and were later expelled, an example for ethnic cleansing. One of the most widely known event was the mass killings of Palestinian villagers in Deir Yassin near Jerusalem. It took place in 1948, where more than 100 Palestinian civilians were killed by Zionist militias. During the final stages of the civil war, Irgun forces captured port-city of Haifa from the Arabs. Approximately 15,000 Palestinian Arabs fled the city. According to some Jewish sources, 300 Palestinians were killed in Haifa, during the battle. On 14th May 1948, when the mandate's validity ceased, David Ben Gurion declared the establishment of the State of Israel and became first prime minister. Israel was immediately recognized by the United States and the Soviet Union.

The Arab entity refused to accept Israel's existence. Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, with support from Iraq, Yemen and Saudi Arabia, initiated the first Arab–Israeli War. It was the second stage of the ongoing civil war. The Arab coalition lost to Israel. Israel captured almost 60% of the area proposed for the Arab state, including Ashdod, Ashkelon, Jaffa, Lydda, Beersheba and Ramle area, Upper Galilee, some parts of the Negev and a wide strip along the Tel Aviv–Jerusalem road. Egypt occupied the Gaza Strip and Jordan occupied and annexed the West Bank, including East Jerusalem in its own territory. Numerous Shi'ite villages were depopulated by the Zionist militias. During the capture of Ramle and Lod, hundreds of Arab residents were killed and 50,000–70,000 were expelled. The war officially came to an end 20 July 1949. Over 700,000 Palestinian Arabs fled or were expelled from their homes in the area that became Israel. The event Palestinians referred is known as the Nakba. Expelled Palestinians sought refuge in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq. Between February and July 1949, Armistic agreements were signed between Israel and neighboring Arab countries.

Nasser, King Faisal and Yasser Arafat in 1970 Arab League summit

After the war, 150,000 Palestinians remained in Israel and were eventually granted citizenship. However, they were subjected to military rule until 1966. From 1949 to 1956, more Palestinians were expelled. Around 30,000 to 40,000 Palestinians, including Bedouins were expelled. Throughout the 1950s, Palestinian fedayeen were supported by Jordan and Egypt. Following the overthrow of Egyptian King Farouk, Gamal Abdel Nasser became president of Egypt in 1952. Nasser's nationalization of the Suez Canal and continuing restrictions of Israeli passage into the waterway, prompted Israel to gain it's control. On 29 October 1956, a coalition of Israel, France and the United Kingdom invaded the Gaza Strip, known as the Suez Crisis. Around 1,000 civilians were killed during the war, in the Khan Yunis massacre and Rafah massacre, by the coalition force. The coalition forces withdrew and invasion ended, after pressure from the United States and the Soviet Union. In midst of wars and occupations, Yasser Arafat founded an organization, a coalition of various Palestinian factions. Known as the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), it was established in 1964. The PLO started armed rebellion against Israel, fuelling nationalist movements. It's rebellion were attacking Israeli targets, hijacking ships and planes and demanding their country. Arafat emerged as national hero and was given the title the "leader of Palestinians", by Nasser.

Arafat had confrontations with King Hussein, when the PLO operated in Jordanian controlled Palestinian territories for targeting Israel. The Six Day War started in 1967, between Israel and Arab coalition of Jordan, Egypt and Syria, supported by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The war was accidentally and unnecessary, caused by several misunderstandings and miscalculations. The PLO also participated in the war, sided with the Arab coalition. Within six days, Israel defeated the Arab coalition. Once again the war ended with Israeli victory and lost of Arab countries. Israel occupied entire Palestinian territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights of Syria and the entire Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. As a result of the war, around 280,000 to 325,000 Palestinians and 100,000 Syrians fled or were expelled from the occupied Palestinian and Syrian territories respectively. Since then Israel began establishing illegal settlements in the occupied territories for Israelis. The settlements are considered illegal. However, the Israeli government disputes the consideration. The PLO continued its armed campaign against Israel, causing tensions between the PLO and Jordanian government. Following the 1970–1971 Jordanian civil war, the PLO moved to Lebanon and continued armed rebellion against Israel. On 6th October 1973, Egypt and Syria initiated the Yom Kippur War against Israel, aimed only recapture their own territories. The Arab coalition was largely supported by several Arab states, as well as by North Korea and Cuba. Following the failure of the Arabs, caused oil embargo by oil-producing Arab states led by the King of Saudi Arabia – Shah Faisal, to countries which supported Israel in the war. It caused the oil crisis of 1973 and Faisal emerged as a popular face for Palestinian nationalism.

Palestinian

After the Arab League meeting, in 1974, the PLO was granted official recognition and "representative of Palestinians" by the United Nations. Following the 1974 resolution, PLO's nationalist movement gradually gained foreign support countries including China and India. The presence of Palestinian militants in Lebanon caused civil war in 1975, known as the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990). Despite the civil war, Palestinian militants continued to target Israel. Following the Coastal Road massacre, Israel invaded Lebanon in 1978 and destroyed PLO bases. In 1982, Israel occupied southern Lebanon and threw the PLO out of Lebanon. Following their defeat in Lebanon, Arafat moved his base to Tunisia and continued to led the armed rebellion for liberating Palestine. The PLO continued by attacking Israeli targets and hijacking ships and planes, bringing their demands on light. By the late 1980s, despite the continuation of military campaign, Arafat accepted UN Security Council Resolution 242 and Israel's right "to exist in peace and security". Following an incident in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians led an uprising against Israeli occupation during the First Intifada (1987–1993). The PLO participated in the uprisings against Israel. During the late-1970s, Hamas used to operate as a charitable organization, recognized and funded by Israel. Fundings by Israel to Hamas strengthened their influence in the region. During the intifada, Hamas began confronting the PLO and itself participated against Israeli Defense Force (IDF). Jericho bus firebombing was first attack during the intifada, followed by murder of two Israeli soliders by Hamas. More Israeli soliders were killed by Palestinians.

The Tel Aviv–Jerusalem bus 405 suicide attack took place in July 1989, resulting 16 civilians killed in the attack. It was the first Palestinian suicide attack despite the fact that the attacker survived. The Gulf War (1990–1991) between multinational coalition and Iraq brought numerous Arab countries, including Palestine on the battleground. Saddam Hussein, then president of Iraq, was a strong supporter for Palestinian resistance movement. Arafat's support to Saddam led deterioration Palestine's relationship with other Arab countries, like Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, Saddam presented a peace offer between Israel and Palestine to the United States, Israel's main ally. It demanded Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian and Syrian territories, based on 1967 borders, in exchange of Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait. The offer was ignored. Later Saddam ordered firing of scud missiles into Israel territory, a move supported by Palestinians in 1991, who viewed it as a resistance. During the war, numerous Palestinians were displaced from Kuwait. The war also crippled the country's economy.

The PLO's activity in the intifada turned Israel to table talks. In 1991, the Madrid Conference between Israel and Jordan, Syria and Palestine was mediated by the United States and the Soviet Union. Following the 1991 conference, Israel and PLO engaged in secret negotiations, which led to Oslo Accords (1993–1995). During the Oslo Accords, Israel and PLO mutually recognized and Arafat rejected the "use of violence". Israel withdrew from major cities in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, not completely. The Palestinian Authority was established in 1994, as an interim government to govern allotted areas. Following the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre in 1994 and continuation Israeli restrictions, Palestinians support for the peace process decreased. Hamas and several other Islamist and political group opposed the peace process, responding by bombing across Israel. The Oslo II Accord, the final part of the Oslo Accords, was signed on 28 September 1995, shortly before Rabin's assassination. First election in Palestine took place in 1996. Hamas, which opposed the peace agreements, boycotted the election. Yasser Arafat became president of the new interim government. Though he had been titular president since 1989. Even after the peace agreements, the conflict continued. In 1997, Hebron Protocol was signed between Arafat and Benjamin Netanyahu, which granted more sovereignty to the Palestinian Authority in Hebron. With Netanyahu, Arafat also signed the Wye River Memorandum in 1998. The new interim government worked on economic recovery. Various projects were launched, including Gaza International Airport and Gaza Seaport. A large number of Palestinian diaspora returned to the country and invested in economic recovery.

21st century

The failure of 2000 Camp David Summit and controversial visit to the Temple Mount by then opposition leader Ariel Sharon, angered Palestinians and turned them to demonstrate against the occupation. These demonstrations marked beginning of the second intifada in September 2000. Following the outbreak of the uprisings, Jerusalem Airport ceased operations and Gaza Airport was destroyed by Israel in 2001. Deadly clashes between Israeli army and Palestinian security forces took place in Jenin. Hamas and several Islamist coordinated suicide bombings on Israeli targets. In 2002, Israel launched Operation Defensive Shield across major cities of the country, in retaliation to previous attacks by Palestinian militants. Bethlehem, Ramallah and Hebron was sight of heavy fighting of the IDF with the security forces and militants. In 2002, the Arab League presented another peace offer to Israel, based on the 1982 initiative by Saudi Arabia's King Fahd. A peace summit between Ariel Sharon and Arafat's ally Mahmoud Abbas took place in 2003, failing again. On 22 March 2004, co-founder of Hamas Ahmed Yassin, was killed in an airstrike by Israeli Air Force in Gaza. Arafat died on November 2004, succeeded by Mahmoud Abbas as the president.

Following the failure of 2000 Camp David Summit and Ariel Sharon's controversial visit to the Temple Mount, Palestinians triggered the second Intifada (2000–2005), which began in September 2000. Following the outbreak of the uprisings, Jerusalem Airport ceased operation and Gaza Airport was bombed in 2001. In May 2001, a fishing boat was captured by Israeli Naval, which was attempting to smuggle weapons to Palestinian-controlled territories. Another freight was sezied in 2002, which had weapons supplied by Iran. Hamas and several Islamist militants coordinated suicide bombings and rocket attacks on Israeli targets. In retaliation, Israel launched Operation Defensive Shield in March 2002. Jenin was battleground for the IDF and Palestinian militants, with the Security Forces. The Church of the Nativity was besieged by the IDF on April 2002, which lasted for 39 days. Durng the battle of Nablus, 70 people were killed, including civilians. By 2002, over 150 militants were captured and arrested by Israeli forces in Operation Determined Path. In Hebron ambush, Israeli soliders were killed by the Islamic Jihad. Israel launched military operation in Rafah in 2004, where around 60 Palestinians were killed. Following the siege of Rafah, Israeli forces also launched military operations in northern Gaza in September 2004. Between September and October 2004, 130 Palestinians were killed. In 2005, 21 Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip and four Israeli settlements in the West Bank were unilaterally dismantled. The intifada came to a frozen state, which almost ended. Around 3,179–3,354 Palestinians. 1,010 Israelis and many foreigners were killed during the uprisings.

In 2006, Palestinian general elections were held, which resulted victory of Hamas. The Hamas-led government, under Ismail Haniyeh was dismissed by Abbas. Clashes between Fatah and Hamas took place across the country. Saudi Arabia brokered the Mecca Agreement on 8 February 2007, which led to the establishment a Palestinian national unity government signed by Fatah and Hamas leaders. Violent incidents continued through March and April 2007; more than 90 people were killed in this period. By May clashes errupted once again, which turned into civil war. Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in 2007. Since then Gaza has been governed by Hamas and the West Bank under the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority.

Israel has blockaded Gaza. Hamas have launched numerous rocket attacks against Israel, in response to the occupation. Israel has also engaged in retaliatory conflicts with Hamas. Gaza War (2008–2009) took place

Wars and occupation

On 14 May 1948, the expiry date of mandate, David Ben Gurion declared Israel's independence and became Israel's first prime minister. The Arabs refused to acknowledge Israel's existence and started attacking the new Jewish state. Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon participated in the first Arab–Israeli war. The end of war resulted loss for the Arab states and capture of more lands by Israel, which were designated to be part of Arab state. Ashkelon, Ashdod, Beersheba and Jaffa were supposed to be part of the Palestinian state. Around 700,00 Palestinians were expelled, known as the Nakba. The Gaza Strip was occupied by the Kingdom of Egypt and Jordan annexed the West Bank. Egypt promoted All-Palestine Government, but Jordan refused to accept and annexed the West Bank, unrecognized internationally.

Gaza in 1956, during the time of the Suez Crisis

Following the overthrow of the Egyptian monarchy in 1952, the new Egyptian president and Arab nationalist Gamal Abdel Nasser became strong advocate for Palestinian independence and called for Israel's destruction, replacing by an independent Palestine. Palestinian militants continued to attack Israel. In 1956, Israel-led coalition of the United Kingdom and France invaded the Gaza Strip, to seize control for the Suez Canal. The coalition forces withdrew from the territory, due to pressure from the United States and the Soviet Union. In 1967, the Six-Day War began between Syria, Egypt and Jordan. More Palestinians were expelled during the war, known as Naksa. Israel gained additional territories — the entire Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights of Syria and Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. Since 1967, Israel built illegal settlements in across the occupied territories for Israeli citizens. Israel formed military administration for Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Since the 1950s, Palestinian fedayeens continue with their rebellion against Israel. The PLO was established in 1964 by Yasser Arafat, as a Palestinian militant coalition consisting of several nationalist organizations. Following the Six Day war, the PLO moved to Jordan and began attacking Israel, causing confrontation between Arafat and Jordan's King Hussein. During the 1970–1971 Jordanian civil war, the PLO relocated to Lebanon and continued with their campaign. The Yom Kippur War between Israel and Syrian–Egyptian coalition, supported by Iraq and Saudi Arabia, began on 6 October 1973. Defeat of the Arab states in the war resulted 1973 oil crisis by Saudi Arabia's Shah Faisal, which affected the global oil industry, the dominant-sector of most Middle Eastern and Arab countries. In 1974, the PLO was recognized as representative of the Palestinian people.

Since 1974, Palestinian armed rebellion gradually gained support from China, the Soviet Union, Cuba, Japan, North Korea and India. The PLO often launched attacks on Israel from southern Lebanon, causing tensions in Lebanon's ethnic and religious groups. Israel intervened in the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990) in 1978, destroying PLO bases in southern Lebanon. In the 1982 Lebanon War, the PLO was driven out of Lebanon by the Israel Defense Force. The PLO shifted base to Tunisia and continued armed rebellion. In the late 1980s, the PLO changed its stance and accepted the UNSC resolutions, acknowledging Israel's right of existence. Though the armed rebellion continued. An incident in the Gaza Strip in 1987 turned the Palestinians to do uprising against the Israeli occupation, known as the First Intifada (1987–1993). The PLO confronted Israel during the uprisings. During those times, Hamas was a charitable organization, running hospitals and institutions. Impressed by their charitable ventures, Israel began funding Hamas and took its advantage to retaliate the PLO.

The Gulf War (1990–1991) brought numerous Arab countries on the battleground, including Palestine. Then president of Iraq, Saddam Hussein was strong supporter of Palestinian independence. Arafat's support for Iraq led to diplomatic crisis of Palestine with several Arab countries. Saddam presented peace offer for Israel to the United States, through Arafat. Though the offer was rejected. Later the Iraqi Army fired scud missiles into Israeli territory, the movement by Saddam, which is still symbolizes Palestinian resistance.

Oslo years and civil war

Following the 1991 conference, the PLO began negotiating with the Israeli government. During the Oslo Accords (1993–1995) between Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin, Israel and the PLO recognized mutually. As a result of the 1994 Gaza–Jericho agreement, the Palestinian Authority was established as interim government in 1994, governing allotted areas in the occupied territories. The peace process gained opposition from both Israeli and Palestinian sides. Hamas and various other political organizations formed an alliance in Damascus, opposing the Oslo Accords. Baruch Goldstein, an Israeli extremist, shot 29 Palestinian Muslims to death in Hebron in 1994, known as the Cave of the Patriarchs massacre. The last agreement of the Oslo Accords was signed in 1995, before the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.

Israel withdrew from major cities, which were declared liberated by Arafat. In 1996, first Palestinian general elections took place and Yasser Arafat acceded to presidency. Despite the continuous conflict, the new interim government began rebuilding the country's infrastructure. The Palestinian Authority began collaborating with various countries, launching development projects. Ramallah, Gaza and Nablus emerged into regional commercial center. In 1997, Hebron Protocol was signed between Arafat and Benjamin Netanyahu, which granted more sovereignty to the Palestinian Authority in Hebron. With Netanyahu, Arafat also signed the Wye River Memorandum in 1998. Gaza International Airport was built in 1998.

The failure of 2000 Camp David Summit and controversial visit to the Temple Mount by then opposition leader Ariel Sharon, angered Palestinians and turned them to demonstrate against the occupation. These demonstrations marked beginning of the second intifada in September 2000. Following the outbreak of the uprisings, Jerusalem Airport ceased operations and Gaza Airport was destroyed by Israel in 2001. Deadly clashes between Israeli army and Palestinian security forces took place in Jenin. Hamas and several Islamist groups conducted attacks on Israeli targets. In 2002, Israel launched Operation Defensive Shield across major cities of the country, in retaliation to previous attacks by Palestinian militants. Bethlehem, Ramallah and Hebron was sight of heavy fighting of the IDF with the security forces and militants.

In 2002, the Arab League presented another peace offer to Israel, based on the 1982 initiative by Saudi Arabia's King Fahd. A peace summit between Ariel Sharon and Arafat's ally Mahmoud Abbas took place in 2003, failing again. On 22 March 2004, co-founder of Hamas Ahmed Yassin, was killed in an airstrike by Israeli Air Force in Gaza. Arafat died on November 2004, succeeded by his Mahmoud Abbas as the president. Sharon ordered evacuation of settlers and destruction of all settlements in the Gaza Strip. By 2005, Israel completely withdrew from the Gaza Strip, leaving the entire coastal enclave in hands of Palestinians. Situations came to frozen state.

History

Ancient History

Along with today's State of Israel, the modern Palestinian state is traditionally considered part of the Holy Land and wider Syria (Al–Shaam). The Canaanites were the earliest civilizations in the region, followed by the Philistines. The Cave of Patriarch in Hebron is burial site for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, along with their wives respectively. After the Exodus led by Moses, Israelites (Bani Israel) conquered the land under the guidance of King David, who established the United Kingdom of Israel and Jerusalem was declared capital in 1003 BCE. The First Temple by Solomon was constructed in 957 BC and Jerusalem evolved into spiritual center for Jewish and Israelite worship. Internal clashes between the tribes of Israel led division of the United Kingdom in two parts – Kingdom of Israel and Kingdom of Judah. Taking advantage of post-division chaos in 720 BC, the Neo-Assyrian Empire captured Samaria, the capital of the Northern Israelite Kingdom. While the Kingdom of Judah was stronger and remained untouched by the Neo-Assyrians. Under the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonians besieged Jerusalem in 587 BCE and the Solomonic Temple was destroyed. The Babylonians were successful in conquering Jerusalem and Judah in 586 BCE.

Middle Ages

In 638, the Islamic Army led by Omar began conquering the Persian and the Roman Empire. During the conquest of the Levant, the Patriarch Sophronius agreed to handover Jerusalem to the Muslims and the region came under the control of Muslims, without bloodshed. Omar allowed the Jews to resettle in the region and signed treaty with Sophronius, granting protection to the Christians, as well as the Jews. The region remained under successive Islamic Caliphates of the Umayyad, Abbasids, Fatimids and the Selijuk Empire. Between 969–970, the Shi'ite Fatimid Caliphate defeated the Ikhshidids and appointed a Jewish governor.

In 1099, the Crusaders gathered Christian troops from the Europe and conquered Palestine, establishing the Kingdom of Jerusalem. During the process, Muslims and Jews were killed in large numbers. Muslim sites were converted into palaces by the new Christian state. In 1187, Saladin led Muslim forces fought the Christian state in the battle of Hittin, resulting defeat of the Crusades and Ayyubid control over Palestine. The Jews were invited by Saladin to re-settle and Christians were granted protection. In 1260, the region's control went in hands of the Mamluk Sultanate

Modern period

Between 1916 to 1918, the Hashemites led revolt against the Ottoman Turks. Under the Sykes–Picot Agreement, Palestine was supposed to be under international rule, instead of being either French or British. In 1917, British prime minister Arthur Balfour spoke to European Jewish community for supporting Jewish homeland in Palestine, later known as Balfour Declaration. Under General Allenby, the British forces captured Jerusalem in 1917, marking the end of the Ottoman rule in Palestine. Mandatory Palestine was established in 1920. Following the mandate's establishment, the British government facilitated immigration of the Jews and supported establishing Jewish colonies across Palestine. Under the British rule, numerous factories were established.

Immigrant Jews established factories, which also employed the Arabs.

Wars and occupation

On 14 May 1948, David Ben Gurion declared independence of Israel. The Arab states of Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, refused to acknowledge the new Jewish state, declared war on Israel.

Politics

The State of Palestine is a semi–presidential republic, that follows a parliamentary system. The president is the head of the state and the prime minister is the head of the government.

Administrative divisions

The Green Line is the internationally recognized border between Israel and Palestine. Palestine is divided into two disconnected territories, known as the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. In the framework of the government authorities, the territories are divided into governorates. Combining both territories, 16 governorates are notified. In the West Bank, the governorates are divided into municipalities and village councils. Municipalities are classified as A, B and C, based on its population.

Israeli–Palestinian conflict and status

The ongoing dispute between the Palestinians and Israelis is triggered by various factors.

Military

The Palestinian Security Services includes armed groups and intelligence agencies of the country. It was established during the Oslo peace agreements. The PSS doesn't operate as national army of the country and functions to maintain internal security. However the PSS also clashed with Israeli troops.

Palestinian fedayeens are the Palestinian nationalist militants, supporting Palestinian nationalism. A large number of

Foreign Relations

Palestine have been granted the status non-member observer state in the United Nations, to participate in the UN-related activities. The country is full-time member of the Arab League, the Union for the Mediterranean and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Both Hamas and Fatah-led government have established diplomatic relations. Members of the Arab League and the members of the OIC have supported the country's position in its dispute with Israel. The Palestinian Authority led by Fatah receives financial support from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. It has also received support from the United States and the European Union. Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has been the strongest military ally of the country and supports various Palestinian militant groups including Hamas, which are part of the axis of resistance. It is military coalition, led by Iran and includes governments and guerrillas from Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Bahrain, Afghanistan and Syria. Turkey have been a supporter of Hamas and Qatar is provides financial support and host Hamas leaders. Even before Iranian intervention, Iraq was still strong supporter of Palestine, when Saddam Hussein was in power. Under the leadership of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya supported various fedayeen groups.

India was the first non-Arab country to reject the UN partition plan and officially recognized the statehood declaration. Once a strong ally of Palestine, India have strengthen its ties with Israel since 1991. However India still supports the legitimacy of Palestine's issue, while still receives criticism for its relations with Israel. During the 1983–2009 civil war in Sri Lanka, the PLO provided military support to Tamil rebels. As a result of the ongoing war, support for the country have 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.

Economy

Construction of Rawabi and surrounding industrial areas

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.

When the region was under British control, it reached at a great level of prosperity and not only benefited the Jewish immigrants, but also to the local Arab population. The economy of Palestinians improved, when many of them were employed in Israel. The period known as "Oslo Years", brought relative prosperity to the newly-created provisional government controlled areas. The Palestinian Authority built infrastructure, which promoted economic growth. It was interrupted in the second intifada, where the country's airports and seaports were destroyed by Israel. After the 2000–2005 uprisings, the economy was affected further after 2006 elections. Hamas won the elections and the United States imposed sanctions on the Hamas-led government. Following Hamas takeover of Gaza, Israel has blockaded the territory since 2007. Economic situation began improve by 2008, when Salam Fayyad became prime minister.

According to the Ministry of Economy, the Palestinian economy was sought to improve. 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.

Manufacturing and natural resources

The country is believed to hold sizeable amount of oil and gas. According to

Tourism

InterContinental Oasis Hotel, Jericho

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 Rula Ma'ay'a 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.

Despite this, tourism remains a promising growth market in the Palestinian economy. The sector’s contribution to national GDP has steadily increased from 9% in 2007 to 14% in 2012, reflecting in part the vastly improved security situation since the end of the 2000–2005 intifada. Currently, however, 50% of tourism revenues are generated by internal Palestinian tourists and Palestinians living in Israel. Despite just 20% of visitors to Palestine staying overnight, accommodation contributed $10.6 million in gross added value to the Palestinian tourism sector in 2012, more than any other sub-sector. It was also the largest employment sector in the industry, providing more than 3000 jobs. According to the PCBS, as of December 2009, around 100 hotels operates in the country and have 4,552 rooms with 9,815 beds. Luxury hotels can be found in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah. Popular international hotel brands having presence in the country includes InterContinental Hotel, Days Inn, Marriott International, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.

Technology

Paltel Group is first private telecom company in the Middle East and based in Ramallah

Known as the "Silicon Valley of the NGOs", a sizeable regional IT industry is located in the country. The IT industry employs around 5,000 individuals in 250 companies in the West Bank and Gaza. Around 50% of these companies have partnerships outside the West Bank and Gaza and 40% export to international markets. Many Palestinian firms have established relationships beyond the Palestinian Territories. Approximately 32% collaborate with Israeli firms, while 50% have partnerships outside of Israel. Major foreign markets include the United States, the United Kingdom, and UAE. The IT industry in Palestine has embraced outsourcing, benefiting from the geographical and cultural proximity to Europe, the Arab world, and Israel.

The history of IT industry began in the late 1990s, when Cisco established networking academies across the country in CSR framework. In the sector, Cisco has made a notable investment of $15 million since 2008. This investment includes encouraging R&D groups within Cisco to establish outsourcing relationships with Palestinian partners. The progress made is evident as these relationships continue even without subsidies from Cisco's corporate affairs budget. Other international companies involved in the Palestinian market include Google, Intel, Microsoft, Apple, and HP. Most of the IT companies are concentrated in Ramallah, north of Jerusalem.

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."

Development (!)

In framework of peace process, numerous infrastructure projects have been proposed. Some of them are completed, while other projects have been abandoned in several wars.

The Palestine Investment Fund have launched numerous projects in the country. It involved in various projects incl

Development

Many foreign countries are interested in international aid and humanitarian projects in Palestine. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Russia and China are some of the biggest investors in the country, followed by members of the European Union. Since the Israel–Hamas war, UAE became world's largest deliver of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. The reconstruction of Jenin Refugee Camp in 2007, was the biggest humanitarian project by the UAE–backed Red Crescent Society. It was renamed as Zayed City. In 2005, the UAE also funded in housing project in Khan Yunis. Qatar is one of the biggest investors in the country. China have funded in various projects. Among them includes establishment of schools and hospital and development of roads in the West Bank, which have eased transport problems. As of July 2023, more than 40 projects in the country have been financially supported by China. The restoration project of the Old City of Bethlehem was funded by Russia.

Nablus Boulevard is an urban

Economy (!)

Construction of Rawabi and surrounding industrial areas

Palestine's economy is reliant on foreign aid, local industries and tourism. In 2023, the country's GDP (PPP) was $44 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 by several organizations, remittances by overseas Palestinians and local industries in the country.

During the British period, Palestine emerged as one of the most advanced and prosperous countries in the Middle East. The country served as a center for British communication and transport, during the wars. The total ownership of capital in the country in 1945 amounted to 281 million Palestinian pounds. Just over 47%, or 132.6 million pounds, was owned by the Arab community. The bulk of this wealth — 74.8 million pounds — was invested in rural landholdings that the owners could not transfer abroad. Approximately 10 million pounds was transferred to Jordan, where the majority of the exiles from the 1948-1949 Arab-Israeli war had taken refuge. At least 1.5 million pounds was also brought into the country in the form of banknotes prior to the abolition of the Palestinian currency. At least 1.5 million pounds was transferred to Syria in the form of banknotes, with smaller amounts sent to Egypt and Iraq as well. Since the 1968, Palestine exported labor services to Israel and oil-producing Arab states, such as Libya, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar.

Palestinian exports peaked in 1981. Between the 1980s and 1990s, imports nearly doubled, increasing a trade deficit of 35% of GDP in 1981 to a deficit of 45% of GDP in 1996. During the Gulf Crisis (1990–1991), Palestine's diplomatic and economic relations with few countries deteriorated, following the country's support for Iraq. The Gulf War also resulted decline in agricultural exports. The period known as Oslo Years (1993–2000), brought relative prosperity to Gaza, Ramallah and Nablus. The newly established interim government proposed various projects in the country. Some of the biggest projects were Gaza International Airport, Port of Gaza and Bethlehem Convention Palace. The government also granted natural gas exploration license to the British Gas, when hydrocarbon reserves were found in 1999. Despite the conflicting situation being continued, the government's economic recovery efforts continued. This growth was interrupted by the 2000–2005 intifada, where Israel destroyed the supporting infrastructure. Economic sanctions were also imposed on the government, when Hamas won the elections. Economic situation in the country relaxed, when Salam Fayyad became prime minister in 2008.

The State of Palestine's overall gross-domestic-product (GDP) has declined by 35% in the first quarter of 2024, due to the ongoing genocide and war in Gaza by Israeli Army, 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.

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 Rula Ma'ay'a 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. Tourism is mostly centered around Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Jericho is a popular tourist spot for local Palestinians.

Despite this, tourism remains a promising growth market in the Palestinian economy. The sector’s contribution to national GDP has steadily increased from 9% in 2007 to 14% in 2012, reflecting in part the vastly improved security situation since the end of the 2000–2005 intifada. Currently, however, 50% of tourism revenues are generated by internal Palestinian tourists and Palestinians living in Israel. Despite just 20% of visitors to Palestine staying overnight, accommodation contributed $10.6 million in gross added value to the Palestinian tourism sector in 2012, more than any other sub-sector. It was also the largest employment sector in the industry, providing more than 3000 jobs. According to the PCBS, as of December 2009, around 100 hotels operates in the country and have 4,552 rooms with 9,815 beds. Luxury hotels can be found in Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah. Popular international hotel brands having presence in the country includes InterContinental Hotel, Days Inn, Marriott International, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.

Manufacture

According to the Global Finance, Palestine's major exports are crude oil, gold, fish, industrial chemicals and scrap iron.

Oil and gas

According to a UN report, published in 2019, both off the coast and beneath of the occupied country, over 3 billion barrels (480,000,000 m³) of oil are estimated to exist. In the Mediterranean, the Levant Basin is estimated to have 1.7 billion barrels (270,000,000 m³) of oil. The occupied West Bank, believed to hold 1.25 billion barrels (199,000,000 m³) of oil reserves. Many of the region’s gas and oil fields are underneath Gaza. The Levant Basin in the Mediterranean Sea holds 122 trillion cubic feet (3.5 trillion cubic metres). It includes Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine. The Palestinian part contains 1 trillion cubic feet (28 billion cubic metres).

Traces of oil in Palestine were discovered in 1912, when the country was part of the Ottoman Empire. Following the British conquest, numerous corporations tried to explore hydrocarbon reserves. The subsequent Arab–Israeli wars and other regional wars impacted the exploration projects. While Israel tried to explore the opportunities for industrial development, by utilizing the oil and gas reserves. In 1999, natural gas reserves were discovered at the offshore of Gaza. The government granted exploration license

According to a report by the UNTCAD, the occupied Palestinian territories lies sizeable hydrocarbon reserves. The Meged oil field contains 1,250,000,000 barrels (199,000,000 m³) of oil reserves, which falls within both Palestine and Israel. The offshore Gaza

Transport

The Ministry of Transport is responsible for maintaining transport infrastructure in Palestine. The development of transport infrastructure is severely constrained, particularly due to Israeli occupation. The current paved road network in the Palestinian territories comprises of 2869 km. About 2248 km of these roads are in the West Bank, including 207 km of roads within Jerusalem Governorate, and about 621 km are in the Gaza Strip. During the period between 1996 and 2000, there have been several road rehabilitation projects. Around 50% of the roads are in poor conditions.

The Palestinian Seaports Authority (SA) was created in 1999 under the umbrella of the Ministry of Transport. The plans for the seaport include the construction of three wharfs, a breakwater, excavation and leveling works, and the necessary facilities and infrastructure. The depth of water will reach for this stage 10 m, so that 15-25 thousand ton ships can be served. With budget of $68.5 million,

Gaza International Airport was built in 1998 by the government of Palestine. It served as base to Palestinian Airlines. The airport had flights to the Middle East and Europe. Starting late 2001, the Israeli authorities damaged parts of the airport. The airport requires extensive rehabilitation before operations can be resumed. The total requirement for repairs of the airport was estimated at $22 million. Under the Project Unified Assistance, a humanitarian airport under the United Nations in Gaza has also been proposed.

Infra

Since the 1948 Arab–Israeli war, numerous international organizations have sent international aid to Palestine. Following the signing of the Oslo Accords, numerous projects were launched by the government of Palestine, to rebuilt the country destroyed in during the occupation. Numerous countries involved in reconstruction of the country. Israel has also launched several projects, in the framework of economic peace process. Gaza Development Plan is proposed by Naftali Bennett. The plan is divided into two phases. Under first phase, a desalination plant and natural gas pipeline has to be built. The second phase would see construction of an artificial island and road between Gaza and the West Bank.

Following the 2023 war, the United Arab Emirates have been largest aid donor to the country.

After the end of the 2000–2005 intifada and Hamas–Fatah civil war, the Palestinian government have launched numerous initiatives and projects under the Palestine Investment Fund (PIF).

Infrastructure

Education

Birzeit University has been named as one of the top universities in the world, according to international rankings.

Demographics

Ramallah is home to a sizeable expat community.