Palestine is a significant region located between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, playing a crucial role in Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Over thousands of years, various peoples have called Palestine home, making it a crossroads of cultures and history.
In 1948, the establishment of Israel on much of Palestinian land led to bitter conflicts between Palestinian Arabs and Israelis, a struggle that continues today.
Known as the Holy Land, Palestine is sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, each with deep-rooted historical and religious ties to the region.
Originally known as Canaan, the land was ruled by Canaanites before Hebrew tribes arrived, forming the ancient kingdom of Israel around 1000 BCE.
Under King David, Jerusalem became the capital of the united Hebrew kingdom, a pivotal moment in the region's history.
During the time of Jesus, Palestine was part of the Roman Empire, later transitioning to Christian and then Muslim control, reflecting the region's diverse religious influence.
From 1917 to 1948, British rule and support for the Zionist movement led to increased Jewish immigration, sowing seeds of conflict with the local Arab population.
The formation of Israel in 1948 caused many Palestinians to flee, leading to decades of disputes over land and sovereignty, especially in areas like the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Despite various peace efforts, including UN interventions and agreements like the 1993 Oslo Accords, achieving lasting peace in Palestine remains a complex and elusive goal.