Palestine

A Land of Ancient Roots and Enduring Struggle

Palestine, officially the State of Palestine, is a geopolitically complex and historically rich nation in the Middle East, encompassing parts of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. Recognized by over 130 UN member states, Palestine remains under partial Israeli occupation and military control but maintains a distinct national identity, governance system, and cultural legacy that stretches back millennia.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Home to ancient Canaanite civilizations, followed by Jewish, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Ottoman rule.

  • Under British Mandate from 1920–1948.

  • The 1947 UN Partition Plan proposed separate Jewish and Arab states, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

  • In 1988, the Palestinian Declaration of Independence was made in Algiers.

  • Palestine gained non-member observer state status at the UN in 2012.

  • Ongoing conflict with Israel over borders, settlements, and sovereignty.

Administrative Information

 

Attribute Details
Official Name State of Palestine (دولة فلسطين)
Claimed Capital East Jerusalem (القدس الشرقية)
Administrative Centers Ramallah (West Bank), Gaza City (Gaza Strip)
Official Language Arabic
Currency Palestinian Pound (not in use), Israeli Shekel (ILS), Jordanian Dinar (JOD), US Dollar (USD)
Area Approx. 6,020 sq. km (West Bank: ~5,655, Gaza: ~365)
Population Approx. 5.4 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone GMT+2 (DST observed)
ISO Code PS
Internet TLD .ps
Calling Code +970
National Day 15 November (Independence Declaration, 1988)

Government and Leadership

 

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Mahmoud Abbas (since 2005, term extended)
Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa (appointed March 2024)
Gaza De Facto Leader Yahya Sinwar (Hamas leadership, Gaza Strip)
Government Type Semi-presidential republic (divided governance)
Legislature Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC – inactive since 2007)

Note: The Palestinian territories are politically split between the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Administrative Divisions (Governorates)

The State of Palestine is divided into 16 Governorates, managed under two major geographical regions: the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

West Bank Governorates (11):

  1. Jerusalem (Al-Quds)

  2. Ramallah and Al-Bireh

  3. Hebron (Al-Khalil)

  4. Bethlehem

  5. Nablus

  6. Jenin

  7. Tulkarm

  8. Qalqilya

  9. Salfit

  10. Tubas

  11. Jericho and Al-Aghwar

Gaza Strip Governorates (5):

  1. North Gaza

  2. Gaza

  3. Deir al-Balah

  4. Khan Yunis

  5. Rafah

Each governorate is administered by a Governor (appointed by the PA) and has its own municipal councils and service providers.

Local Government Structure

  • Municipalities and village councils manage:

    • Sanitation, water, electricity, urban planning

  • Elections held periodically but disrupted due to political division

  • Gaza Strip functions under Hamas-led administration

Leadership & Governance

  • Palestinian Authority (PA) oversees West Bank under Oslo Accords framework.

  • Hamas controls Gaza since 2007, operating a parallel administration.

  • Ongoing efforts for national reconciliation have yet to succeed.

  • Civil society plays an increasing role amid weak institutional continuity.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Law enforcement split:

    • Palestinian Civil Police and Preventive Security in West Bank

    • Hamas Internal Security and military wing (Qassam Brigades) in Gaza

  • Israeli military controls most border and airspace

  • Civil unrest, military operations, and occupation impact security

Economy & Industry

  • Key sectors:

    • Agriculture: olives, citrus, vegetables

    • Textiles, handicrafts, construction

    • International aid and remittances

  • Major challenges:

    • Movement restrictions, dependency on Israel

    • High unemployment, limited access to markets

  • GDP (2023 est.): Approx. USD 17 billion

  • Trade via Israel, Egypt, Jordan (indirectly)

Education & Institutions

  • High literacy rate (~98%)

  • Major Institutions:

    • Birzeit University

    • An-Najah National University

    • Islamic University of Gaza

  • Education remains a priority despite infrastructural challenges

Healthcare

  • Ministry of Health operates in both West Bank and Gaza (separately)

  • Major hospitals:

    • Al-Makassed Hospital (East Jerusalem)

    • Shifa Hospital (Gaza)

  • Services strained by conflict, blockade, medicine shortages

Transport & Connectivity

  • No airports under Palestinian control

  • Allenby Bridge (West Bank–Jordan), Rafah Crossing (Gaza–Egypt)

  • Road transport limited by checkpoints and security walls

  • Public buses, taxis, and private cars are common

Tourism & Attractions

  • Religious:

    • Al-Aqsa Mosque, Church of the Nativity, Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque

  • Historical:

    • Jericho – oldest continuously inhabited city

    • Ancient ruins in Sebastia, Battir, and Bethlehem

  • Cultural:

    • Handicrafts in Hebron, pottery in Gaza

    • Olive harvest festivals, Dabke dance events

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Palestinian identity rooted in:

    • Sumud (steadfastness), oral history, folk arts

  • Cuisine: Maqluba, Musakhan, Knafeh, Hummus, Zaatar

  • Literature and poetry: Mahmoud Darwish, Ghassan Kanafani

  • Music, embroidery, storytelling as cultural resistance

Summary

Palestine is a nation striving for statehood amid occupation and division, yet enriched by deep cultural traditions, resilience, and global solidarity. With a youthful population and centuries of heritage, Palestine continues its journey toward peace, justice, and recognition.