The history of the Palestinian people is deeply rooted in the ancient region of Palestine, historically recognized as their ancestral homeland. Over the centuries, various empires and powers, including the Ottomans and the British, have exerted influence over this region, shaping the demographic and cultural landscape. The Palestinian narrative gained prominence during the 20th century, particularly in the aftermath of the First World War and the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
With the establishment of the British Mandate of Palestine after World War I, the aspirations of both Jewish and Palestinian populations became entangled. The 1947 United Nations Partition Plan proposed the creation of separate Jewish and Arab states in Palestine, an initiative that was rejected by the Arab inhabitants of the region. The subsequent Arab-Israeli conflict of 1948 led to the displacement of a substantial number of Palestinians, resulting in the creation of a significant refugee population, a defining event in the Palestinian historical narrative known as the Nakba.
The Palestinian people have experienced a protracted struggle for self-determination and statehood, marked by intermittent armed conflicts, peace negotiations, and diplomatic efforts. The 1967 Six-Day War resulted in Israel's occupation of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, territories that are considered part of the envisioned future Palestinian state. Since then, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) has emerged as a prominent political entity representing the Palestinian cause on the global stage.
Efforts to achieve a lasting peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state have been pursued through various diplomatic initiatives, including the Oslo Accords of 1993 and subsequent negotiations. However, numerous challenges, including issues related to borders, settlements, security, and the status of Jerusalem, have impeded the realization of a comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.
The Palestinian territories have undergone periods of political division and internal strife, with the Gaza Strip governed by Hamas since 2007, while the West Bank is governed by the Palestinian Authority. Despite these challenges, the resilience of the Palestinian people and their unwavering commitment to achieving statehood and self-determination continue to be at the forefront of their national aspirations and global advocacy efforts. The international community's involvement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains pivotal in the pursuit of a just and equitable resolution that guarantees the rights and sovereignty of both Israelis and Palestinians.