Palestine

Palestine
Type	partially recognized country
Key terms	West Bank, Gaza Strip, Palestinian National Authority
Related	Israel, Levant, Arab League
Examples	Ramallah, Gaza City, Hebron
Domain	Political geography, Middle East
Wikidata	Q219060

Palestine refers to a geographic region and a modern political entity in Western Asia. Traditionally the term describes the land between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, including the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip. Today “Palestine” is used to denote both the Palestinian territories (occupied land where Palestinians live) and the State of Palestine – a partially recognized sovereign state declared in 1988 by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Palestinians, the people of Palestine, share common language (Arabic), cultural traditions, and history. However, much of this land is under Israeli control, making Palestine’s precise borders and status highly contested. International bodies like the United Nations often refer to “the State of Palestine” as a non-member observer state. In practice, the Palestinian Authority governs parts of the West Bank, while Hamas administers the Gaza Strip, and Israel controls borders, security and many resources. The following sections discuss Palestine’s geography, climate, people, economy, governance, history, culture, and environment.

Historical Context and Evolution

Palestine has an ancient and complex history shaped by many civilizations. The region is part of the Fertile Crescent where early agriculture and cities arose. In antiquity it included Canaanite city-states, ancient Israelite and Judean kingdoms, and later became part of empires such as the Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine Empires. The name “Palestine” was used by the Romans (after 135 CE) to refer to the province around historical Judea. Over centuries control passed to Islamic caliphates, Crusader states, the Mamluk Sultanate, and ultimately the Ottoman Empire (1517–1917), during which the population was mostly Arabic-speaking and Muslim, with Christian and Jewish communities.

After World War I the British took control of the region (the British Mandate for Palestine). Tensions grew between the growing Jewish community (backed by Zionist movement calls for a Jewish homeland) and the Arab majority. In 1947 the United Nations proposed partitioning Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. In 1948 Israel declared independence; neighboring Arab states invaded, and a war ensued. Israel gained some territory, while Jordan took control of the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Egypt took Gaza. Over 700,000 Palestinian Arabs fled or were expelled from their homes in what became known among Palestinians as the Nakba (“Catastrophe”), and many became refugees in neighboring countries.

From 1949 to 1967, a dozen years under Jordan (West Bank) and Egypt (Gaza) rule, no independent Palestinian state existed. In the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel captured East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza. These areas became occupied territory in the view of international law. The failure to resolve Palestinian aspirations led to the rise of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), founded in 1964, which declared itself the representative of the Palestinian people. The PLO led a national movement demanding self-determination and the right of return for refugees.

In the 1980s Palestinians in the occupied territories launched the first Intifada (Arabic for “uprising”) against Israeli military rule. This eventually led to the 1993 Oslo Accords, a series of agreements between Israel and the PLO. The accords created the Palestinian Authority (PA), a limited self-government to administer parts of the West Bank and Gaza. Yasser Arafat of Fatah became president of the PA. Despite promises of further negotiations, final status issues (borders, Jerusalem, refugees) remained unresolved.

Frustration continued and violence flared again in the early 2000s during the second Intifada (2000–2005). In 2005 Israel unilaterally withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza, but maintained control over airspace, borders and resources. In 2006 the Islamist group Hamas won Palestinian elections, and in 2007 it forcibly took control of Gaza, splitting Palestinian governance into two entities: Fatah-led PA in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza. This political schism persists. Over the last two decades, intermittent conflicts between Israel and Gaza militants, continued settlement expansion in the West Bank, and cycles of violence have kept the conflict alive.

In 2012 the United Nations General Assembly upgraded Palestine to “non-member observer state” status, a symbolic step recognizing Palestinian claims. Over 130 UN member states recognize the State of Palestine. However, Israel and some countries do not formally recognize it, and the territories remain under partial Israeli occupation. Today, Palestinians continue to seek a two-state solution (an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel), though prospects are uncertain amid political division and changing regional dynamics.

Geography and Climate

Palestine lies on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea in Western Asia, forming part of the Levant. Its core territories are the West Bank (landlocked plateau and highlands, roughly 5,860 km²) and the Gaza Strip (a coastal enclave, about 360 km²) separated by Israeli territory. East Jerusalem (formerly under Jordan, now annexed by Israel) is claimed by Palestine as its capital.

The West Bank’s landscape is varied. It includes mountainous highlands (the Judean Mountains and Samaria), rolling hills, and the deep Jordan Rift Valley on its eastern edge. The Jordan River flows along this valley and empties into the Dead Sea (the lowest point on Earth at about 430 m below sea level). Most of the Jordan Valley land is arid. The West Bank’s western highlands rise to over 1,000 m, with rocky terrain and olive groves common on terraces. Fertile valleys (such as around Jenin, Jericho, and Hebron) support agriculture of olives, grapes, figs, and grains. Springs (like those at Nablus and Ramallah) feed irrigation.

The Gaza Strip is a narrow coastal plain with sandy soil. Gaza City in the north is built on hills overlooking the Mediterranean; the south includes desert dunes. Gaza’s 40 km of Mediterranean shoreline gives it a maritime climate influence and a historic focus on fishing and trade.

Climate: Palestine has a Mediterranean climate along the coast and in northern hills – characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Rain mostly falls between November and March; summers (May–September) are almost rainless. Average winter temperatures inland can be around 10°C (50°F), with occasional frost in high places, whereas summers can reach 35°C (95°F) in the valleys. Gaza’s summers are hot and humid by the sea. Rainfall varies greatly: northern and central highlands receive about 400–700 mm per year, supporting woodlands and crops, while the arid Jordan Valley and southern Gaza get less than 100 mm, making them semi-desert.

Occasional desert winds (called khamsīn) from the east or south carry dust and extreme heat. Climate change in recent decades has brought warmer temperatures, more frequent droughts, and unpredictable rainfall, impacting farming. The region has limited water resources: besides scarce rainfall, its main sources are mountain aquifers and the Jordan River. Overuse and pollution (especially around Gaza) have led to water scarcity as a serious issue.

Palestine’s strategic location also makes it a crossroads of biodiversity: migratory birds flying between Africa and Europe pass through here, and species of Mediterranean and desert flora mix in the landscape. However, urban growth and conflict have reduced forests and fragmented habitats.

Demographics

Diverse in heritage but largely homogeneous in identity, the people of Palestine are known as Palestinians. Currently, about 5 million Palestinians live in the West Bank and Gaza combined. Gaza is very densely populated (over 5,000 people per km² in Gaza City area) while the West Bank has a mix of crowded cities and rural villages. Around 350,000 Palestinians live in East Jerusalem, which Israel annexed (though Palestinians view it as part of the occupied West Bank). Many more Palestinians – perhaps 6–7 million – live outside these territories in a global diaspora. Large Palestinian communities exist in neighboring Jordan (some with Jordanian citizenship), Lebanon, Syria, and across the world (the United States, Chile, Europe, etc.). About 2-3 million Palestinians in Jordan are Palestinian by origin.

Most Palestinians are ethnic Arabs, speaking Palestinian Arabic (a Levantine dialect). Families are often extended and close-knit; large families are common, though birth rates have been falling in recent years. Palestinian society is predominantly Muslim (over 85%, almost all Sunni), with a significant Christian minority (pre-2020 estimates around 1–2% of the population). Christian Palestinians (Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant) live mainly in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and parts of Bethlehem. There is also a tiny Samaritans community (an ancient ethnoreligious group centred near Nablus), plus small numbers of Druze (mostly in the Galilee, part of Israel).

Urbanization is high: major Palestinian cities include Gaza City (in Gaza), Hebron (Al-Khalil), Nablus, Ramallah, Jericho, Bethlehem, and Jenin (mostly in the West Bank). Ramallah has become the administrative and commercial center of the West Bank (it hosts many PA offices and international missions), though East Jerusalem, under Israeli control, is claimed as the Palestinian capital. About 70% of Palestinians live in cities, with the rest in rural villages or refugee camps.

One unique factor is the large number of refugees: following 1948 and 1967 wars, many Palestinians and their descendants were displaced. Millions live in refugee camps administered by UNRWA (the UN Refugee Agency) in the territories and neighboring countries. Palestinians outside the main territories often still hold special refugee status or maintain ties to family in Palestine. This collective memory and refugee issue remains a central social and political aspect of Palestinian life.

Education levels among Palestinians are relatively high in the Arab world context. Literacy rates exceed 90%. There are universities and colleges (notably Birzeit University, Al-Quds University, and others) providing education in Arabic and English. Health care and social services have improved since the 1990s but are limited by resources and conflicts. Life expectancy is around 75 years.

Economy

Palestine’s economy has grown and stagnated in cycles shaped by politics and access. The GDP per capita is modest (lower middle-income range), and living standards vary. Gaza’s economy, in particular, is severely constrained by blockades and conflict, while the West Bank’s economy has some interaction with Israel and international markets.

Key economic sectors include:

Agriculture: A traditional sector but only a small share of GDP (roughly 10% in recent years). Palestine’s agriculture is known for olives and olive oil, vineyards (grapes and wineries), citrus fruits (mainly in Gaza and Jericho), and vegetables. Olive trees are culturally and economically important — the annual olive harvest is a major event. Agricultural land is limited, and farmers face water scarcity and access restrictions. Grain farming (wheat, barley) occurs in northern valleys. Fishing is practiced along the Gaza coast, but overfishing and pollution limit catches.

Industry: Also a modest sector. There are small industries for food processing, textiles, furniture, and construction materials. The West Bank has some manufacturing clusters (e.g. near Ramallah and Hebron), often under Israeli permit restrictions. The industrial base is limited by lack of scale, unreliable power, and restrictions on importing equipment. In Gaza, local industries (textiles, soap, furniture) have been largely destroyed or disrupted by repeated conflicts and the blockade.

Services: The largest component of GDP is services (around 60-70%). This includes public administration (the PA is a major employer), retail trade, transportation, tourism, and a nascent tech/communications sector. Ramallah and East Jerusalem host many offices, NGOs, and banks serving the West Bank. Telecommunications and IT have grown, with mobile and internet use widespread (West Bank telecoms are Palestinian-run and often use Israeli networks).

Construction: Building activity staggers with political circumstances. Israelis settlers build homes in the West Bank, and Palestinian building in some areas moves ahead when possible. Construction booms occur when funds (often from abroad) flow in, but are often stalled by permit issues.

Palestine uses the Israeli shekel as currency (Israel controls monetary policy and most banking). The Palestinian Monetary Authority manages banking regulation, but no independent currency exists. The economy is heavily linked with Israel’s: most imports come via Israel, and Palestinian workers often need permits to work in Israel or settlements. In the West Bank, thousands of Palestinians commute to Israel or Israeli factories for jobs.

Foreign aid and remittances have been vital. International donors (the EU, US, Arab states, UN agencies) fund development projects and budget support for the PA. Remittances from Palestinians abroad (Gulf Arab countries, Americas) contribute significantly to incomes. Palestinian businesses also depend on Israeli markets partly (for example, selling agricultural produce to Israeli consumers).

Before recent conflicts, the economy had seen some growth in the West Bank (though from a low base). Gaza’s economy, however, has been severely limited by closures and war. For example, unemployment rates are chronically high – around 20–25% in the West Bank and over 40% in Gaza (pre-2020 data). In recent years conflicts (like late 2023 Gaza war) have caused sharp drops: Gaza’s economy contracted drastically, infrastructure was heavily damaged, and half of Gazan households had no income.

In summary, the Palestinian economy is underdeveloped and fragile. Its performance depends greatly on political factors and external assistance. The lack of control over land, resources (especially water), and borders means that economic independence is limited. Still, Palestinians have developed businesses, tech startups, and trade networks despite these constraints. Craft industries (like embroidery and ceramics) and cultural products also generate earnings, often supported by diaspora demand. Tourism, once a growing sector (visitors to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, Sea of Galilee sites, and Jerusalem’s holy sites), has been hampered by security concerns and travel restrictions.

Governance and Politics

The political situation in Palestine is complex. The territory has a divided administration and a disputed international status. Here are the main aspects:

State of Palestine: In 1988, the PLO unilaterally declared the independence of the State of Palestine, initially referring to all Mandatory Palestine. The State of Palestine claims the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem as its territory. Over 130 UN member states recognize it, and since 2012 it has status as a UN “non-member observer state.” However, it lacks international borders or full sovereignty. In practice, the PA exercises limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza.

Palestinian Authority (PA): Established in 1994 under the Oslo Accords, the PA was intended as an interim self-government for Palestinians in the occupied territories. The PA has a president (elected by Palestinians) and a legislative council. Its powers cover civilian matters (health, education, policing) in Areas A and B of the West Bank (about 40% of the West Bank) and in Gaza until the 2007 split. The PA’s official capital is Ramallah (de facto administrative center) and it claims East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, though it has no authority there.

The PA was dominated by the Fatah party since its creation (Yasser Arafat was its first president, followed by Mahmoud Abbas since 2005). PA institutions include a prime minister and cabinet in the West Bank. The PA collects taxes and utilities fees from Israel and receives foreign support. It also runs security forces in Areas A and B.

Gaza and Hamas: In 2006, the Islamist movement Hamas won legislative elections. Tensions with Fatah led to violent clashes; in 2007 Hamas took control of Gaza, ousting Fatah officials. Hamas (considered a terrorist organization by many countries) thus established its own government in Gaza, independent of the PA. Since then, Gaza is governed by the Hamas-led de facto authority, which is not internationally recognized as the official government. Gaza is under a strict blockade by Israel and Egypt, limiting movement of people and goods. Hamas provides social services and has security forces, but its rule is also challenged by other groups inside Gaza.

Israeli control: Israel retains overall security control in much of the West Bank and complete control of borders (except the one with Jordan for Palestinians), airspace, and most water resources. Israeli settlements (communities of Israeli citizens) are present in the West Bank (considered illegal by most of the international community). East Jerusalem was annexed by Israel in 1980 (a move not recognized internationally) and Israeli law and police operate there, though Palestinians in East Jerusalem have a special residency status and vote in the PA elections if they choose. The Israeli West Bank Barrier (fence or wall) cuts into West Bank land, affecting many Palestinian communities.

Legal status: The international community generally considers the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and Gaza as occupied territories under international law (the Fourth Geneva Convention). Israel disputes this terminology and calls them “disputed.” Israel controls the population registry and citizenship for Palestinians (most do not have Israeli citizenship, instead being classified as “Palestinian residents” or “refugees”). Palestinians in the West Bank often require Israeli permits for travel between areas or to Israel or abroad; Gaza residents face even tighter controls.

Political issues: The main political goal of most Palestinians is an independent Palestinian state (often envisaged in Gaza, West Bank, East Jerusalem borders similar to pre-1967 lines). Disputes remain over Jerusalem’s status (shared or divided city), the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to homes lost in 1948, and security arrangements. Peace negotiations have stalled for years. Internal Palestinian politics is also divided: efforts at reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas have repeatedly failed, though talks continue sporadically.

In governance terms, the State of Palestine has a president (Abbas) and prime minister (Mohammad Shtayyeh since 2019) listed by the PA, but political power is fragmented. The PA has limited budgetary control, and often its security forces cooperate with Israel against dissenters. Democratic processes have stalled: the last Palestinian legislative elections were in 2006. The government of Palestine (through PLO structures) also represents Palestinians in international forums; for example, the Palestine Liberation Organization is the recognized representative of the Palestinian people in diplomatic contexts.

Despite disunity, there are authorities in place: local municipalities in West Bank cities, a health ministry, education ministry, etc., operating under the PA. Gaza has its own civil ministries under Hamas. Civil society (NGOs, trade unions, media) is active on both sides. However, limits on freedom (from Israeli security measures in the West Bank, from Hamas governance in Gaza) add challenges to governance and society.

Culture

Palestinian culture is an integral part of Levantine (Eastern Mediterranean) Arab culture, with distinctive traditions reflecting its history. It blends Arab, Mediterranean, and local elements.

Language: The common language is Palestinian Arabic, a dialect similar to other Levantine dialects (Lebanese, Syrian). In urban areas, Palestinian Arabic may sound different from Bedouin-influenced dialects, but mutual understanding is high. Most Palestinians are bilingual to some extent: English is widely taught in schools, and many learn Hebrew or other languages for work with Israel or foreigners. Traditional Palestinian poetry and music often use classical Arabic or local dialect.

Literature and Arts: Palestinians have a rich literary tradition, including poetry and fiction. World-renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish helped popularize verses about exile and identity. Storytelling (hakawati) was historically important. In modern times, some Palestinian writers and filmmakers have gained international recognition, often focusing on themes of homeland and resistance. Folk arts include tatreez (embroidery): traditional women’s dresses feature elaborate embroidered patterns, each region with its own style. This embroidery has become a symbol of Palestinian identity and is now used on various modern goods (bags, shoes, etc). Palestinian craftsmen also produce pottery and ceramics, carving olive wood, and weaving textiles with traditional patterns.

Music and dance: Music ranges from classical Arab forms (oud, qanun instruments) to modern pop. A famous traditional dance is the dabke, a line dance performed at weddings and celebrations where dancers line up shoulder to shoulder, stamping their feet rhythmically. Dabke is often accompanied by drums and flutes. Folk songs (zajal) often accompany daily work or harvests. Many families know folk tales and songs from earlier times; these are sometimes revived at cultural festivals.

Cuisine: Palestinian food is typical Mediterranean Arab cuisine. Staples include olive oil, olives, za’atar (wild thyme with sesame), sumac, and legumes like chickpeas and lentils. Popular dishes are hummus (chickpea dip), falafel (deep-fried chickpea balls), tabbouleh (parsley salad), maqluba (rice and vegetable dish), and musakhan (sumac chicken). Palestinian bread (taboon or pita) is baked in clay ovens. Sweets like baklava and knafeh (string cheese pastry) are enjoyed. Citrus fruits and grapes are grown locally, and arak (anise liquor) is a traditional beverage among Christians. Many recipes are shared across the Levant, but Palestinians have local varieties (olive oil from Nablus, dates from Jericho, etc).

Religion and Holidays: Religion plays a major role in social life. Islam influences daily life (call to prayer, Ramadan fasting, Eid festivals). Palestinians have many religious families, and Friday prayers are important. The small Christian community celebrates Christmas (many visit Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity) and Easter with carol processions in Nazareth* (in Israel) and Jerusalem. Religious coexistence is common: Muslims and Christians often share Arabic as a cultural heritage. Christian schools and churches have been centers of education and social services for all communities. Religious holidays are public holidays; cultural events often incorporate religious traditions (like family feasts on Eid).

Cultural heritage: Palestine has numerous historical and archaeological sites reflecting its layered past. Among them are:

Jericho (in the West Bank) – one of the world’s oldest cities, with ruins dating to 10,000 BCE.
Historic Jerusalem – contains sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Al-Aqsa Mosque). Palestinians celebrate Jerusalem’s heritage (though access is restricted by the current situation).
Hebron’s Old City – contains the Ibrahimi Mosque (Mount of the Patriarchs) and ancient merchant streets.
Jenin’s and Nablus’ old quarters – with bustling markets (souqs) and old mosques and soap factories.

Wherever Palestinians live – in villages, cities, camps or the diaspora – cultural identity is preserved through music, dance (especially at weddings), family gatherings, and literacy (reading poets and novelists who speak to their experience). Palestinian artists often use themes of homeland, exile, and resistance. Traditional handicrafts and cuisine keep living links to ancestral villages: even Palestinians in cities may forage for wild herbs (za’atar, sage) on hillsides outside town, maintaining rural heritage.

Media and Education: Satellite TV, Internet, and social media connect Palestinians across the territories and diaspora. Palestinian radio and TV stations broadcast news and cultural programs. Newspapers in Arabic cover local and regional issues. Many students attend universities either inside the territories or abroad, often returning with new influences.

Overall, Palestinian culture is dynamic, rooted in Arab-Mediterranean civilization but marked by the particular history of statelessness and struggle. It is gaining recognition through world music, literature prizes, and international exhibitions celebrating Palestinian art and design.

Environment and Natural Resources

Palestine’s environment is fragile due to its small size, geography, and political situation. It falls within the Eastern Mediterranean biodiversity zone, but human pressures are high.

Natural landscapes: Historically, the land had extensive olive groves and oak forests in the highlands; today much of that is gone due to centuries of cultivation and, more recently, clearing for settlements or farming. Some wild valleys (wadis) still have shrubs, grasses, and cypress or pine in remnant woods. In the Jordan Rift Valley (wild in parts), acacia and tamarisk trees line the salt-tolerant areas near the Dead Sea shore. In Gaza’s coastal plain, clay dunes once covered much of the land; now it is urbanized with small green patches where irrigation is possible (e.g. date palms and horticulture in Gaza). Several wetlands and oases (like Ein Fashkha near Jericho) hold migratory birds.

Climate effects: As noted, Palestine has a Mediterranean climate change vulnerability. Many Spring flowers cover the hills when rains come (wild anemones, cyclamen) and birds (e.g. storks, cranes) stop in habitats like the Gaza coast. But rising temperatures and erratic rainfall threaten traditional crops.

Water: The biggest environmental challenge is water scarcity. There are three main water sources: the Eastern (Mountain) Aquifer underlying the West Bank, the Coastal Aquifer beneath Gaza and Israel’s coastal plain, and the Jordan River (much of which has been diverted by Israel and Jordan). Palestinians draw water from shared aquifers; however, much of it is also taken by Israel (through wells and springs) to supply Israeli settlements and cities. Gaza’s aquifer is overdrawn and saltwater intrusion is a serious risk. Many Gazans depend on expensive water imports (tankers). Inadequate sewage treatment in Gaza and parts of the West Bank leads to groundwater pollution. Desalination plants exist in Israel and could be extended, but geopolitical and cost issues limit Palestinian access to desalinated water.

Agriculture and land use: Limited arable land means intensive use of available fields. Olive orchards and vineyards occupy hills and valleys wherever possible. Agricultural runoff (pesticides, fertilizers) can pollute streams. Deforestation has been a problem; in some areas settlers and grazing removed plant cover, leading to soil erosion on hillsides. In recent years, NGOs and locals have reforested hilltops with far fewer trees than before; where grazing is banned, young forests sometimes regrow.

Pollution and urban effects: The cities and refugee camps generate typical urban pollution: waste disposal and sewage are major issues. While municipal landfills exist, unplanned dumps are sometimes used along roadsides. Recycling programs are small. Traffic congestion (more common in Ramallah, Hebron and East Jerusalem than Gaza) causes air pollution. Gaza’s infrastructure is strained: waste often goes untreated into the sea, and intermittent electricity means health facilities suffer. Industrial activity (mainly small workshops) adds pollutants to air and water locally. Noise pollution and dust are concerns in cities and camps.

Biodiversity: Despite pressure, Palestine hosts various species. Agricultural fields attract birds (larks, bulbuls), wadis have foxes and jackals, and the Negev and Sinai wildlife (hyrax, foxes, occasional gazelles) sometimes extend into the southern West Bank. Marine life in Gaza’s waters includes small fish and wading birds on shores. Environmental organizations have identified a few protected areas: the Jordan River springs, parts of the Dead Sea shore (though largely under Israeli control), and coastal zones in Gaza and southern West Bank. The Hula Valley north of Israel (historically Palestinian land pre-1948) is a major bird sanctuary. Overall, fragmented habitats and urbanization mean large mammals no longer roam freely.

Environmental challenges:

Water scarcity is the most critical. Palestinians rely on rainfall and groundwater, using about 70% for agriculture. Restrictions on new wells and permits mean demand often outstrips supply.
Waste: Gaza especially has waste management issues; rubble from conflicts also piles up, posing health risks. The closure of landfills forces open burning.
Reduced biodiversity: Overgrazing in rural areas where Israeli army or Palestinian control limits movement has both revived and reduced certain species. Palestinian land route blocks have divided animal populations.
Climate change: Drier climate means more frequent droughts. Farmers plant less wheat than before due to yield uncertainty; fruit harvests vary. Heat waves (over 40°C) can harm elderly in cities without air conditioning.
Political factors: Military activities (explosions, vehicle movement) and restrictions (like the Wall or closed military zones) affect natural areas. For example, firing ranges or buffer zones often sit in agricultural land, limiting farming access. Military zones also restrict Palestinian development, leaving some land undeveloped (but unused).

Palestinians work with international and local NGOs to address some issues. Rainwater harvesting is on the rise (cisterns on rooftops). Solar panels are increasingly common, since sunlight is abundant and electrical outages are frequent. Some community gardens and nature reserves have been set up in villages. Activists monitor water quality and plant trees through community efforts.

In summary, Palestine’s natural environment is limited by geography and heavily impacted by its political situation. The coincidence of human needs and contested land means environmental concerns often intersect with the larger conflict. Still, the region’s climate and terrain support a varied landscape – from coastal beaches to desert and mountain – and many Palestinians value and preserve what green spaces and wildlife remain.

Significance and International Perspective

Palestine is one of the most sensitive and internationally significant regions. Its significance comes from religious, cultural and geopolitical factors:

Religious importance: Jerusalem and Bethlehem in Palestine are sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims worldwide. The city’s holy sites (Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa for Islam, Western Wall for Judaism, Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christianity) make any change there a matter of global interest. Similarly, sites like Hebron’s Cave of the Patriarchs, the Jordan River (site of Jesus’s baptism), and historical monasteries are pilgrimages for many.

Regional politics: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is central to Middle East stability. Palestinian statehood aspirations are supported by Arab League members: the Arab Peace Initiative (2002) proposed normal relations with Israel in exchange for a Palestinian state and Israeli withdrawal. Many countries (EU, Russia, China, most of Africa and Latin America) officially back a negotiated two-state solution. The United States historically played a major role in peace talks, though its positions have varied by administration. Recent efforts (as of 2025) involve U.S. administration proposals and regional normalization deals between Israel and some Arab states, which still leave the Palestinian issue a sticking point.

Human rights and international law: Global organizations (UN agencies, human rights groups) frequently discuss Palestinian rights. Many consider Israel’s settlements and military occupation as violations of international law, while others emphasize Palestinian terror attacks and rocket fire as Israeli security concerns. Palestinian statehood is often linked to recognized borders and legal status, and many countries have formally recognized Palestine as a state on 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as capital. Conversely, Israel and allies argue for direct negotiation first and question unilateral recognitions.

Humanitarian concerns: Gaza’s humanitarian crises (especially after 2023’s conflict) have drawn worldwide attention to issues like civilian casualties, reconstruction, and blockade. The West Bank faces issues of settler violence, house demolitions, and checkpoint restrictions drawn criticisms and NGO scrutiny. International agencies (UNRWA, WHO, UNDP, etc.) operate extensively in the territories, providing aid and development assistance.

Culture and Diaspora influence: The large Palestinian diaspora keeps the issue alive globally. In many countries, there are Palestinian community organizations that lament the statelessness of their homeland. Palestinian arts (music, film, literature) appear in global festivals, often cast as voices of resistance or cultural pride. Academic interest in Palestinian history and society is also significant.

Environmental and humanitarian projects: Palestinians cooperate with Israelis and international partners on some practical issues (water management, medical referrals), but often these are strained by political tensions. Environmental talks sometimes happen under regional frameworks, though many natural resources are transboundary. For example, Jordan River basin projects involve Palestinians, Jordanians, and Israelis.

Palestine’s future is a subject of ongoing debate. In some peace proposals, key issues like the final borders (likely based on 1967 lines with land swaps), the status of Jerusalem, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees remain unresolved. As of this writing, two-state talks are stalled, and unilateral actions (settlement expansion, Gaza disengagement) have reshaped facts on the ground. Whether through renewed negotiations or international pressure, a lasting solution would require addressing governance (possibly a unified Palestinian government), economic viability, and security guarantees.

In summary, Palestine today is a territory with partially autonomous Palestinian governance and disputed sovereignty. It is geographically small but historically and emotionally vast. Understanding Palestine requires viewing both its rich heritage – from olive-covered hills to vibrant cities – and the realities of life under occupation and conflict. Its significance touches on cities that draw pilgrims, and on people whose culture thrives in hardship. The international community remains deeply involved, as any resolution in Palestine often affects wider regional and global political dynamics.