Draft:Qsiakashdha

• Comment: Some of this was copied from this document and some from Economy of the State of Palestine. — Diannaa (talk) 20:56, 17 November 2023 (UTC)

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Sad_Hu

Early life

Saddam Hussein was born in al-Awja, near Tikrit. His family belonged to the Albu Nasir tribe, descended from Ahmed Bin Hussein 'Nasiruddin'. Saddam's father and brother died of cancer before his birth, and his mother attempted suicide and was later saved by an Iraqi Jewish family He was taken in by an uncle and later moved to Baghdad with his uncle Khairallah Talfah, who became a fatherly figure to him. Talfah was a Sunni Muslim and a veteran of the 1941 Anglo-Iraqi War.

Later, Saddam Hussein's relatives became his close advisors and supporters. He attended a nationalistic high school in Baghdad under his uncle's guidance. After secondary school, he studied at an Iraqi law school for three years but dropped out to join the pan-Arab Ba'ath Party, influenced by his uncle's support. He may have worked as a secondary school teacher during this time. Saddam's familial connection through his uncle was a primary reason for joining the party, which had a smaller presence in Iraq compared to established nationalist parties.

Revolutionary sentiment swept Iraq and the Middle East during that era. Progressives and socialists challenged traditional elites, while the pan-Arab nationalism of Gamal Abdel Nasser greatly influenced young Ba'athists like Saddam. Nasser's rise foreshadowed a wave of revolutions, leading to the downfall of monarchies in Iraq, Egypt, and Libya. Nasser's fight against the British and French during the Suez Crisis, his modernization efforts in Egypt, and his political unification of the Arab world inspired nationalists across the region. Saddam's father-in-law, Khairallah Talfah, who fought against Great Britain in the 1941 Iraqi coup and Anglo-Iraqi War, served as a mentor and shared his experiences with Saddam.

Political career

Saddam Hussein held several political positions during his time in power. He became a member of the Regional Command of the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party in 1966 and rose through the ranks to become the party's Vice Chairman in 1968. That same year, he played a key role in the Ba'ath Party's coup d'état, which brought the party to power in Iraq. In 1979, Saddam Hussein assumed the presidency of Iraq and held this position until 2003, when his government was overthrown. He also held position as prime minister of Iraq twice. As the president, he held absolute power and ruled with an authoritarian and repressive regime. His political ideology was a mix of Arab nationalism, Ba'athism, and a cult of personality centered around himself.

Wars and conflicts

Main articles: Iran–Iraq War and Gulf War

Iran—Iraq War

Main article: Iran–Iraq War

Saddam Hussein feared the spread of radical Islamic ideas in Iraq after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. There was a long-standing enmity between Saddam and Ayatollah Khomeini. Khomeini, exiled in Iraq, developed a strong following against the Iranian government, which Saddam tolerated. Skirmishes over the Shatt al-Arab waterway led to tensions between Iraq and Iran. Saddam publicly advocated for peaceful relations but privately revealed his intention to invade and occupy a large part of Iran. He later added toppling the Islamic government as one of his goals.

Invasion of Kuwait

The end of the war with Iran strained Iraq's relations with Kuwait. Saddam demanded Kuwait to waive Iraq's war debt, but they refused. Tensions escalated as Kuwait opposed Iraq's request for oil production cuts, keeping prices low while Iraq needed higher prices to repay its debt. Saddam claimed historical and nationalist reasons for considering Kuwait part of Iraq. The significant oil reserves in both countries further intensified the conflict. Saddam's well-equipped army was deployed to the Iraq-Kuwait border. Conflicting information about the US response to a potential invasion added to the situation. The US had previously cultivated a relationship with Iraq, providing significant assistance during the Iran-Iraq War.

In April 1990, Saddam Hussein threatened to destroy half of Israel with chemical weapons if it acted against Iraq. He criticized US support for Israel and warned about the contradiction in US policy towards Arabs. In July 1990, he threatened force against Kuwait and the UAE, accusing some Arab rulers of undermining Arab interests under American influence. The US responded by sending warplanes and combat ships to the Persian Gulf. In a meeting between US Ambassador April Glaspie and Saddam Hussein on July 25, 1990, Saddam criticized American policy towards Kuwait and the UAE. He warned of potential harm and threats, both from Iraq and individual Arabs. Glaspie expressed understanding for Iraq's need to rebuild but stated that the US had no opinion on Arab-Arab conflicts. Saddam mentioned attempting negotiations with Kuwait but declared that Iraq would not accept its demise.

US officials tried to avoid getting involved in the Iraq-Kuwait boundary dispute and expressed a preference for a peaceful resolution. However, negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait failed, leading Saddam to invade Kuwait. As tensions increased, the Soviet Union, under Mikhail Gorbachev, strengthened its military relationship with Saddam, providing him with advisers, arms, and aid.

Gulf War

Main article: Gulf War

Saddam Hussein in 1985

On August 2, 1990, Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, initially claiming to assist "Kuwaiti revolutionaries." This sparked an international crisis. A "Provisional Government of Free Kuwait" was proclaimed, but lacked legitimacy and support. On August 8, a "merger" between Iraq and Kuwait was announced, and on August 28, Kuwait formally became Iraq's 19th Governorate. Saddam Hussein's invasion was driven by a mix of territorial claims, Arab nationalism, and insults exchanged with the Kuwaiti emir. The invasion raised concerns about oil prices and stability in the region. US President George H. W. Bush responded cautiously, considering the geopolitical factors and economic interests involved.

The US and the Soviet Union cooperated in the United Nations Security Council to pass resolutions demanding Iraq's withdrawal from Kuwait and authorizing the use of force if Saddam Hussein did not comply. The US and its allies, including Egypt, Syria, and Czechoslovakia, deployed a large number of troops along the Saudi border to encircle the Iraqi army. There were concerns about Iraqi retaliation against Saudi Arabia, a close ally of the US. During the occupation, Saddam's officers looted Kuwait, even taking marble from its palaces for Saddam's own use.

During the period of negotiations and threats following the invasion, Saddam focused renewed attention on the Palestinian problem by promising to withdraw his forces from Kuwait if Israel would relinquish the occupied territories in the West Bank, the Golan Heights, and the Gaza Strip. Saddam's proposal further split the Arab world, pitting US- and Western-supported Arab states against the Palestinians. The allies ultimately rejected any linkage between the Kuwait crisis and Palestinian issues.

After Saddam Hussein ignored the Security Council deadline to withdraw from Kuwait, a US-led coalition launched missile and aerial attacks on Iraq in January 1991. Despite being attacked by Iraqi missiles, Israel refrained from retaliation to maintain Arab coalition support. A ground force, primarily composed of US and British divisions, expelled the Iraqi army from Kuwait in February 1991 and occupied southern Iraq. The Iraqi army was unable to compete with the coalition's superior forces and air support. The war resulted in a large number of Iraqi prisoners and casualties. As part of the cease-fire agreement, Iraq agreed to destroy its chemical and biological weapons and allow UN inspections. Trade sanctions remained until Iraq complied fully. Saddam claimed victory publicly.

Foreign Affairs

Israeli – Palestinian conflict

Saddam Hussein supported Palestinian cause, for which, he is widely regarded in the Muslim world. From beginning, to till present, Iraq had not officially. In an interview, Saddam said that, he believed in creation of Palestine, which will be accepted by Palestinians and it is also necessary to have a state of security for Israelis. During his tenure as Vice President, Iraq participated in the Yom Kippur War of 1973. In 1982, Saddam said to then U.S. visiting congressman that, "A future state is necessary for both Israelis and Palestinians". In 1982 Peace Initiative, Iraq maintained moderate position.

After invasion of Kuwait, which initiated the Gulf War, Hussein sent message to the White House, demanding Israel to withdraw from the Palestinian territories (West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza). In exchange, Iraq will withdraw from Kuwait recognize Israel's right to exist. However, this was offer could not get any attention and soon the Gulf War started. Aftermath of the attacks on Israel, Hussein agreed to pay US$74 million as a compensation to Israel, through the UN. In 2000, Saddam Hussein had several meetings with the government of Israel, to discuss the issue of Palestinian refugees, status of Jerusalem and implementing peace in the Western world.

Protection of minorities

Under the Ba'ath government led by Saddam Hussein, rules were designed in such a way, which protected minority groups of Iraq. However, due to regional wars and conflicts, minority groups faced hardships. Nevertheless, minority groups have openly talked about privilege granted by the government.

Iraqi Jews were a privileged g

Tensions with Kurds

Ba'athist regime faced problem from Kurdish and Shia separatists, who wanted to liberate themselves from Iraqi sovereignty and establish their own country. A large number of demonstrations and rallies began taking place in streets of cities in Iraq. The government responded with violent actions. The Al-Anfal Campaign was a genocidal campaign led by Saddam Hussein's government in Iraq. It targeted the Kurdish people, as well as other ethnic groups such as Shabaks, Yazidis, Assyrians, Turkoman people, and Mandaeans. The campaign lasted from 1986 to 1989 and resulted in the destruction of many villages. Estimates suggest that between 50,000 and 100,000 people were killed, with some Kurdish sources putting the number higher at 182,000 Kurds killed.

Legacy

A large number of development projects in Iraq involved leadership of Saddam Hussein. During his rule, Saddam Hussein implemented various policies and initiatives in Iraq. He focused on infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges, and public buildings, aiming to modernize the country. Saddam also invested in education, healthcare, and social services, with the goal of improving living standards for Iraqis.

Furthermore, Saddam Hussein emphasized the advancement of Iraq's military capabilities. He sought to build a strong armed forces and acquired advanced weaponry, including chemical weapons. However, his aggressive foreign policies and involvement in conflicts, such as the Iran-Iraq War and the invasion of Kuwait, resulted in economic strain and international isolation for Iraq.

iend

== Hebron is another important cities for Abrahamic religions. Cave of the Patriarch is burial site of biblical figures – Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Leah, Sara and Rebecca. The city is also home to burial places of Noah, Jonah and Lot.

Hebron Al Khalil, Hevron
City
[[file:||0px|alt=Nijō Castle]]
Country	Palestine
Status	Shared control by Palestine and Israel

Hebron is a city located in the West Bank, Palestine. It is part of Hebron Governorate, largest governorate in the West Bank and is second largest city in the territory after East Jerusalem.

Economy

Hebron is a leading industrial and commercial center of Palestine. Despite horrific communal clashes between Jews and Arabs, presence of numerous enterprises have increased Jewish–Arabian trade relations in Hebron. In early times, religious tourism and traditional industry were backbone of city's economy. From the 1970s to 1990s, Hebron was a thriving center of shoe industry.

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Jerusalem, also known as Yerusalem or Al Quds is an ancient city located in the mountainous range of Judea, divided between Israel and Palestinian territory of West Bank. It is known as holy place for world's major Abrahamic religions – Christianity, Islam and Judaism, as well as Mandaeism.

Hebron

Hebron, also known as Al Khalil is a city located in the West Bank

Economy

Hebron is an advanced industrial city of Palestine. The city is most productive region in the county, followed by East Jerusalem–Ramallah–Bethlehem metropolitan area. It is an export hub for the Middle Eastern countries. Products which manufactured are popular in America and Europe.

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Palestine, officially known as the State of Palestine is a nation state located in the Levantine region of Middle East. The state officially consists of two territories — the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The capital of the state is East Jerusalem, with the government temporarily based in Ramallah. The government is a mixed presidential and parliamentary system.

Population of Palestine is estimated at 4.55 million people, with an average population density of 731 people per km2. Peoples of Palestinians The most populous city is Gaza. Other major cities includes East Jerusalem, Hebron, Nablus and Ramallah etc.

, with 750,000 residents according to recent estimates. The majority of the Palestinian population are Muslims (93%), mostly of the Sunni branch. There is also a significant minority of Christians (6%) and smaller minorities of Samaritans and Druze. Palestinian Arabic, a distinct dialect subgroup of Levantine Arabic, is the most widely spoken language in Palestine. The most common second language is English.

History (Jerusalem)

Early period: Abrahamic influence

After arriving, Moses made efforts to free the Jews from Pharaoh's slavery. He succeeded in liberating the last of the Israelites. Their next goal was to gain control of Jerusalem. However, the enslaved Jews were weak and lacked courage and fighting capabilities. When Moses asked the Israelites for help in conquering Jerusalem and the land, they refused and told him to handle the situation alone. As a result, God ordered Moses to stay with the Israelites in the desert, known as the Sinai Peninsula in modern Egypt, for 40 years. During this time, the Israelites regained their strength and courage to fight. The holy book Torah (known as Taurat in Islam) was revealed to Moses in the Sinai Peninsula. The Book of Genesis clearly states that the holy land belongs to both Israelites and Arabs. Under the leadership of Joshua, the Jews eventually formed and conquered Palestine. However, they lost control of the city and the entire territory after some time. For the next 300 years, the Israelites were unable to capture the state and the city of Jerusalem.

First Temple

After 300 years, the Israelites, known as Bani Israel, recaptured Jerusalem under the leadership of David (Dawood in Islam). They built the First Temple (Haikal e Sulaimani to Muslims) in Jerusalem as a place of worship. The temple's construction was completed by Solomon, and a sacred box called the Taboot E Sakina was placed inside. For the next 400 years, the Jews ruled Jerusalem and Palestine. However, after 400 years, the Neo-Babylonian Empire, led by Emperor Nebuchadnezzar II (Bakhtenasar for Muslims), attacked Palestine to expand their empire. They destroyed Jerusalem, including Solomon's temple, and thousands of Jews were martyred. The surviving Jews were enslaved and taken to Babylon, which became their capital. They remained enslaved there for 70 years.

Second Temple

After 70 years, Iraq was attacked by Cyrus the Great, a noble king from Iran (known as Zulqarnayn in the Holy Quran). Cyrus conquered the kingdom and allowed the Jews residing there to return to their homeland. He provided them with funds to rebuild the destroyed Temple of Solomon, and they successfully constructed the Second Temple. The Jews then ruled over Palestine for 400 years. However, their reign was interrupted by the Roman Empire, which expelled the Jews from the region for 600 years. The Roman Empire oppressed the Jews, leading to conflicts and the killing of thousands. The situation deteriorated to the point where Jews had to hide and live in prisons. The Roman Empire destroyed the Second Temple once again, and it has not been rebuilt to this day. The Roman Empire ruled over Jerusalem for 600 years.

Middle Ages: Muslim rule

Islamic Caliphate: Rashidun, Fatimid and Abbasid

The Islamic religion and Caliphate rapidly expanded, leading to the conquest of both the Roman and Persian Empires within a few years. Khalifa Umar emerged as a powerful ruler, surpassing even the empire of Alexander the Great. During the Muslim conquest, they reached the doorstep of Jerusalem. Muhammad, the last prophet of Islam, prophesied that Jerusalem would be conquered by Muslims. Muslims were faced with two options: either destroy Jerusalem like previous conquerors or seize it.

After six months, the Governor of Jerusalem, Sophronius, agreed to hand over the city under one condition - a meeting with Khalifa Umar himself. To avoid disturbing the Khalifa, Khalid ibn al-Walid, who resembled Umar in appearance and height, impersonated him and attended the meeting. However, someone who had previously met Umar recognized the deception, forcing Khalid to comply.

Umar, the powerful ruler of the time, traveled to Jerusalem. Sophronius prepared for his arrival with lavish gold and silver jewelry, anticipating the presence of such a great king. To everyone's surprise, Umar arrived on foot in ordinary clothes while his slave rode a camel. This scene shocked the people of Palestine, as previous conquerors had destroyed the city and caused bloodshed.

Khalifa Umar conquered Jerusalem and gained control over all of Palestine. Sophronius handed over the territory without any bloodshed. However, he imposed a condition that Jews should not be allowed into the city. Umar rejected this condition and granted access to Jews on the Temple Mount. This marked the first time that the state came under Muslim control. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Umar's first concern was the church. After inspecting it, when he was about to leave, it was time for Salah (prayer). The caretaker of the church suggested that Umar pray there, but he declined, stating that praying in the church might lead Muslims to convert it into a mosque, which was inappropriate. Instead, he prayed at a location outside the church, now known as the Mosque of Omar in Jerusalem.

Umar granted freedom to all religions, allowing Muslims, Christians, and Jews to coexist peacefully for nearly 350 years.

Crusader Attack on Palestine

After 350 years, Christian forces gathered from across Europe and launched another attack on Palestine. Taking advantage of ongoing conflicts among Muslims, the Crusaders easily conquered the region. They targeted Muslims and Jews, resulting in the deaths of thousands and the destruction of mosques and synagogues. Al-Aqsa Mosque was converted into a palace. Jewish women and children sought refuge in buildings, but the Crusaders set them on fire, burning them alive. The Crusaders ruled over the state for approximately 90 years.

Salahuddin: Ayyubid Dynasty's King

After 90 years, Salahuddin, a great Muslim king, devised a plan to reclaim the state. He assembled troops from the Muslim world and recaptured the territory from the Christians. Many Christians expected revenge for the atrocities committed during the Crusades. However, Saladin, unlike his predecessors, forgave the Crusaders. This act of forgiveness surprised them, and they asked Saladin why he had chosen to forgive. In response, Saladin stated: "I am not like those men. I am Salahuddin." Saladin restored religious freedom and converted the palace back into a mosque. He personally performed the first prayer there. Following Saladin's reign, the state was ruled by the Abrahamic religions in peace for another 800 years.

Status of Jerusalem

Jerusalem as capital of Palestine

In Oslo Accords, Jerusalem, as a whole was not negotiated, but many neighborhoods and localities were allotted to Palestinian Authority. As well as, after occupation East Jerusalem in the Six Day War, a fence was erected, in which many neighborhoods have been located beyond the municipal limits, where the Palestinian Authority have controls. The international community recognizes or supports Palestinian sovereignty over East Jerusalem and considers Israeli settlement in this area, illegal.

Despite international support and having control in certain parts of the city, temporarily, the administration center is in Ramallah. Unlike large government precinct of Israeli government, their are Palestinian establishments in the city such as consulates, embassies and regional government offices. Palestinian Authority maintains an office in Dahiyat Al–Barid neighborhood of East Jerusalem. British Consulate General and Consulate General of France are in Jerusalem, which serves to Palestine, rather than Israel. A Ministry of Interior office is located in Abu Dis town of the Jerusalem Governorate.

In 2002, a law was passed and approved by Yasser Arafat, which declared Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Since then, the Orient House in Jerusalem, the headquarter of PLO have been shut by the government of Israel.

Jerusalem as capital of Palestine (!)

Jerusalem is claimed as future capital by Palestinians. Palestinians refers to East Jerusalem as their capital and consider it as an occupied territory. The Palestinian Authority, also claims West Jerusalem to be subjected for negotiations. However, PLO have made alternatives such as making Jerusalem as an open city. In 2002, a law was passed and approved by Yasser Arafat, which declares Jerusalem as its capital. The Palestinian declaration of independence also proclaims Jerusalem as its capital

Since the Six Day War of 1967, Israel has occupied East Jerusalem and annexed Palestinian neighborhoods into its Jerusalem Municipality. A barrier have been built around Jerusalem, which defines the municipal limits of the Jerusalem Municipality. Government of Israel began constructing settlements across East Jerusalem. The international community recognizes or supports Palestinian sovereignty over East Jerusalem and considers Israeli settlement in this area, illegal, which is disputed by the Israeli government

In Oslo Accords, Jerusalem, as a whole was not negotiated, but many neighborhoods and localities were allotted to Palestinian Authority. As well as, after occupation East Jerusalem in the Six Day War, a fence was erected, in which many neighborhoods have been located beyond the municipal limits, where the Palestinian Authority have controls. Parts of neighborhoods such as Sur Baher, Al-Ram, Beit Hanina, Arab al Jahalin, Al-Walaja, Dahiyat Al Barid, Jabel Mukaber and Umm Tuba are designated as Area A and Area B, where the Palestinian Authority varying degrees of control. Remaining suburbs and towns in the Jerusalem Governorate is under control of the Palestinian Authority, known as J2 Jerusalem.

Government institutions

East Jerusalem is recognized as capital of Palestine by the international community. Due to disputes, Ramallah is home to the administrative center, which is around 10km from Jerusalem. In 2000, a parliament building was constructed in Abu Dis, to house Palestinian Legislative Council. However, escalating second intifada interrupted the plan. Palestinian Authority maintains its offices for Jerusalem Affairs in Abu Dis. The Palestinian Ministry of Interior have an office in the town of Abu Dis.

Jerusalem is home to consulates of Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom and Holy See and Turkey maintains their embassies in the city, which serves Palestine rather than Israel. The British Consulate General is located in Sheikh Jarrah. Palestinian Authority have an office in Dahiyat Al Barid.

State of Palestine

Palestine, officially known as the State of Palestine is a state in the Levantine region of Middle East. It consists of two non contiguous territories — the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and Gaza Strip. East Jerusalem is claimed as the capital of state. Palestine's two territories are on the west and easternmost sides of Israel and also share borders with Egypt and Jordan. The population of state is estimated to be of five million peoples. While two million peoples seeking refuge in Jordan and Egypt.

The history of the state centered around world's three major and Abrahamic religions — Christianity, Islam and Judaism. The cities of Jerusalem and Hebron are considered as third and fourth most holiest site for Islam respectively. It is part of region of Palestine which have been ruled by various kingdoms and dynasties including Roman Empire, Crusaders, Babylonians, Rashidun Caliphate, Ottoman Empire and Ayyubid dynasty. After the world war I, the Ottoman lose Palestine to British who formed Mandatory Palestine existed till 1948. In 1967 war, Israel occupied the West Bank including East Jerusalem. In 1988, Palestine declared its independence by Yasser Arafat.

Palestine is affected due to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict and Israeli occupation of West Bank including East Jerusalem. To end the conflict peace talks such as Oslo Accords, 2000 Camp David Summit and Road map for peace took place. Due to Israeli occupation, the Palestinian economy have severely affected. In recent years several peaceful economic conferences between of Israel, Jordan and other Muslim countries with Palestine have been organized in order to promote trade between the two countries.

State of Palestine

Palestine, officially known as the State of Palestine is a nation state located in the Levantine region of Middle East. The state officially consists of two territories — the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The capital of the state is East Jerusalem, with the government temporarily based in Ramallah. The government is a mixed presidential and parliamentary system.

History (II)

Pre-historic and historic period

The early inhabitants of the region were known as Israelites (Bani Israel), who later became Jewish peoples. Jerusalem, Nazareth, Hebron, Safed, Tiberias, Bethlehem and Damascus along with Mecca and Medina have been significance to Abrahamic religions. These cities have been reserved as holy city status for Christians, Muslims and Jews. Abraham spend his later life in Hebron, which is now his burial site and considered next holy for Muslims and Jews.

Early Jewish influences: Temples of Jerusalem

Around 3,300 years ago, as per the Quranic and Biblical references Moses was ordered by God to liberate Israelites from the slavery of Pharaoh. After successfully liberating them, their next plan was to conquer Palestine and take control of Jerusalem. While Israelites refused to join Moses and was ordered to stay in a desert for 40 years. Torah was revealed to Moses at that place which is now known as Sinai Peninsula. Under the leadership of Joshua, Israelites once again conquered the territory but couldn't handled territory for a longer time. For the next 300 years, they could not capture the state.

Israelites formed under leadership of David and conquered Palestine again. He laid foundation of a temple. Construction of temple completed during the time of Solomon. The Solomon's Temple (Haikal e Suleimani) stored the Ark of Covenant (Taboot e Sakina). After Solomon, Israelites ruled for next 400 years. After 400 years, Babylonian Empire came power in Iraq, whose emperor Nebuchadnezzar II (Bakhtenasar) attack Palestine and destroyed the temple in Jerusalem. He enslaved them and took Bablylon for 70 years. The place where they used to live was known as Tel Abib.

70 years later, Iraq was attacked by a noble king of Persia (modern Iran), Cyrus the Great (Zulqarnayn). Cyrus the Great conquered this kingdom and sent all the Jews who were here back. He also gave them funds to go back and rebuild the temple of Solomon, which was destroyed. They built the Second Temple. After which the Jews again ruled over Palestine for 400 years. Roman Empire attacked the country and oppressed Jews. They expelled peoples of this land for 600 years. During the siege of Jerusalem, thousands of peoples were killed and mascaraed including innocent men, women and children. In midst of siege, once again the temple was destroyed and could not rebuilt till date. They ruled Palestine around 600 years.

Muslim rule: Rashidun Caliphate and Khalifa Umar

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

The growth of Islam and Caliphate resulted expansion of Caliphate upto Roman and Persian Empire. After which, Umar bin Khattab became most powerful emperor in the world. After Muslims reached the door of Palestine while conquering Roman Empire. Islamic prophet Muhammad stated that one day Jerusalem will definitely conquered by Muslims. After six months of conquering much of Roman Empire, then governor of Jerusalem Sophronius agreed to handover Jerusalem and remaining territories to Caliphate only in one condition. That was Umar himself should come and meet him. Then Khalid ibn al-Walid impersonate himself as Umar to meet Sophronius. But at the moment while in Jerusalem, one of the person present over their caught him and said to Sophronius that he is not Umar. Umar had to leave Jerusalem. Sophronius was ready to meet Umar being well dressed. But Sophronius and every peoples of that place shocked to see Umar coming on foot in normal attire and his slave on the camel.

Khalifa Umar conquered the city of Jerusalem and took control of entire Palestine. Without shedding anyone's blood, Sophronius handed over the territory to Umar. But he put a condition that, Muslims would not allow the Jews to enter the city of Jerusalem. But Umar did not accept the condition and Jews were also allowed to the Temple Mount. After signing the treaty, Umar visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and inspect. The patriarch Sophronius invited him to pray in the church. But he refused by saying that if he pray here, then in future Muslims would convert this church into a mosque. Instead, he prayed at a place opposite of church and it is now known as the Mosque of Omar. Under the Caliphate, all religions and its followers were freedom and security.

Post Caliphate: Crusaders, Mamluk and Ayyub

A Jewish man praying at the Western Wall (painting by Jean-Léon Gérôme

350 years later, the Christian gathered troops from allover Europe and attacked Palestine again. At that time, there were many wars going on among the Muslims. Taking advantage of which the Crusaders easily conquered Palestine. After conquering Palestine, they attacked the Muslims and Jews. Thousands of Muslims and Jews were martyred. Mosques and synagogues were destroyed. They converted Al-Aqsa Mosque into a palace. The children and women of Jews hide themselves in buildings and structure. But the Crusaders set fire to these buildings and burned their children and women alive. After which Crusaders ruled the state for almost 90 years.

Salahuddin, the ruler of Ayyubid dynasty gathered Muslims allover the world and attacked Palestine. He conquered the city of Jerusalem and defeated Crusaders. Salahuddin forgave all the peoples who attacked the territory. He gained control of Palestine. Saladin gave freedom to all these religions again. The mosque, now a palace was restored into a mosque. The first namaz by Saladin was offered there. After Saladin, once again all the Abrahamic religions have conquered the state with peace. Salahuddin is known to Muslim world as The conqueror of Jerusalem. They ruled over the land. It lasted for 800 years.

Then the region came under the control of Mamluk Sultanate in 11th century. They had expanded their kingdom upto Hejaz. Their rule lasted till the 14th century. In 14th century, Ottoman Empire got control of Palestine and established their sovereignty. It was known to Muslim world as Sultanate e Usmani.

Modern period

World War I: Ottoman Empire and Aliyah

Before World War I, there was no any kind of conflict in Palestine and peoples of all the religions used to live here peacefully. The Muslims were in majority, but with them Jews and Christians also live peacefully. At that time too, the entire area falls under the control of Ottoman Empire. On the map, it can be seen that the Ottoman Empire was spread over a large part of Europe, Northern Africa and the parts of Middle East.

Ottoman soldiers guarding Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem

There were some Arab leaders who were very fed up with the rule of Ottoman Empire. They wanted to liberated themselves from here. For this purpose and to accomplish this they secretly met the Britishers. Britishers were enemy of the Ottoman Empire. The British promised them that, if they help them in the war against the Ottoman Empire and in return they would given an independent country. A similar promise was made by British to the Jews present in Europe. Jews present in Europe were already facing a lot of difficulties.

The reason behind is religious conflict. For many centuries, Christians believe that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus. Due to this, many Christians humiliates Jews in Europe. They don't tolerate the Jews. Jews used to call the movement to get their own country in Palestine as Zionism. This movement was started in 1896 by Theodor Herzl. He wrote a book Der Judenstaat. It was written that if Jews wanted to live a peaceful life, they have to established a state in Palestine. In the beginning, many Jews were against this concept. But soon this movement turned into a political form.

Jews from allover the world called Palestine. They started turning to Palestine and funded by their own community. Jews got funded to setup businesses and factories there. The British government had also promised them i.e. European Jews, that they will give them chance to build their own country in Palestine. In world war I, the Ottoman Empire was suffering a severe defeat. On 2 November 1917, Britain's foreign secretary Arthur Balfour gave a letter in the name of Walter Rothschild who was head of a British Jewish Community. It was written that British government decided that Jews should come to Palestine and develop their own country. Rothschild was assured that British government will support them. Also it was written that this will not cause any harm to the Muslims already living here.

World War II: Arab — Zionist clashes

A month after writing Balfour's letter, British solider came and captured Palestine. They ended the 400 year rule of Ottoman Empire. Palestine came under the control of British. They tried their best to establish a Jewish colony and became successful. In 1919, Balfour wrote a memorandum in which it was written, that he no need to consult Arabs for establishing Jewish colony.

King David Hotel, Jerusalem - post bombing 1946

Lord Balfour's visit to Binyamin (c. 1925)

In the eye of the Arabs of Palestine, the law made by Britain for Jews was very soft. The process of coming of Jewish immigrants from all over the world started in Palestine. They built their own schools and factories. Immigration of Jews to Palestine is termed as Aliyah. With the wish of British, they also created their own small army known as Haganah. Arabs saw the establishment of Jewish settlements by British. They continued to tolerate it for some years. But in 1939, the Arabs of Palestine started raising their voice.

For raising their voice, the Palestinian Arabs were given severe punishment. Many were arrested, some leaders were expelled from Palestine and some were hanged. But still the Arabs of Palestine did not end their strikes. On this the British government formed Peel Commission to solve the matter. This commission found a solution to unrest in Palestine that Palestine should be divided into two parts. It was rejected by the Arabs. There was already unrest on the issue of division of Palestine, which was objected by Arabs. Their strike continued till 1939, until the British government released its White Paper.

Jewish protest demonstrations against Palestine White Paper, May 18, 1939. Zionist young men & girls parading on King George Ave, Jerusalem

In this White Paper, the British government condemned the last 20 years of Palestine. Keeping the current situation in mind, a policy was published. In this policy, first of all the Peel Commission was rejected. This ended the Arabian strike. Apart from this, the new Jewish immigrants coming to Palestine were banned and already present Jews of Palestine were banned of buying lands from Arabs. It was also decided that Palestine should be an independent state in next 10 years and the same would be the home country of the Jewish people.

This White Paper was like a fraud to Zionists. White Paper first time created conflict between the Zionists and the British. They refused to accept the White Paper and started attacks on the British government throughout Palestine. In which many local Palestinians were also killed. These attacks continued for several months. This attacks gave rise to militant organizations such as Irgun, Lehi and Haganah carrying out terrorist attacks on civilians. Menachem Begin and Yitzhak Shamir were few big names behind these attacks.

World War II started in 1939, where this war took lives of 60 million peoples. Meanwhile in Germany, Hitler led Nazi Party mercilessly killed six million European Jews in their death camps. This incident is called Holocaust. 66% Jews living in Europe between 1941 and 1945 were killed by Hitler. The surviving Jews had no other option but to go to Palestine. Because it was holy place for them, already some Jewish community already settled there and many of the Muslims saved Jews from Holocaust. Arabs of Palestine also welcomed Jews and they had not much objection on their arrival. Even many Palestinian Arabs were recruited and trained by British Army to fight the Nazis and save Jews.

Despite the limit on immigration imposed by the British, they started migrating to Palestine. After the second world war, Britishers were tired and no longer had the courage to fight against Zionist in Palestine. In 1947, they decided to leave. They handed over this issue to the UN.

United Nations proposed to give larger parts of Palestine to minority Jews and smaller parts to the majority Arabs. In the UN General Assembly, this proposal got 72 votes and it was finalized that larger part of Palestine would be given for the Jewish state. At that time, India was also present in the UN Assembly and India also voted against this decision. Then prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru had raised a lot of voice against the decision of UN and said that the Indian ambassador of UN was bribed by Zionists to vote in their favor. This resolution of UN was rejected by all the Arab countries. Both sides started attacking each other. But the Jewish army was very strong, so the Palestinians could not compete with them.

Contemporary period

Wars and conflicts: 1948, 1956, 1967 and 1973

Yasser Arafat's speech to the United Nations in 1974

On 14th May 1948, David Ben-Gurion officially formed the state of Israel and became the first Prime Minister of Israel. In 1948, all the Arab neighboring countries together decided to attack Israel. This was the First Arab-Israeli War, in which five Arab countries attack Israel which formed recently. But Israel had support of Western countries and had a very strong military. Therefore, Israel alone defeated five Arab countries. After the end of war, the areas chosen by UN for Palestine are now occupied by Israel.

The West Bank came under the control of Jordan and Gaza Strip under the control of Egypt. In 1967, another Arab — Israeli war takes place in which Israel not only occupies the West Bank but also the Gaza Strip, Golan Heights and the entire Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. In the midst of all this, the people of Palestine want to create their own country. For this purpose, they formed their own organization which was named Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) by Yasser Arafat. Initially, by taking up arms, they tried to forcefully get their own country. To raise their voice, PLO also hijacked many planes and ships. Thus from the side of U.S. and Israel, PLO was declared as a terrorist organization. But many countries did not declare PLO as terrorist organization. They considered it only as a revolutionist who wants to create their own country.

In 1974, PLO got official recognition in the UN in this regard that they are representative of Palestinians. After that, in 1979, peace talks between Egypt and Israel successfully held and Egypt becomes the first Muslim country to officially recognize Israel. After which Israel returns Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. But after two years, Egyptian PM Anwar Sadat got assassinated by extremist group who opposed his move with Israel. In 1988, Yasser Arafat declared the Palestine's independence. At that time a part of Muslim Brotherhood splits which is today known as Hamas. That was the time of First Intifada

Peace treaties: Oslo Accords and Camp David

Middle East leaders at Middle East Peace Agreement Ceremony

Demonstration in Tel Aviv supporting Geneva Accord (2004).

Once again peace talks take place between Israel and PLO. PLO leader Yasser Arafat officially recognize Israel and Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin also officially recognize PLO. Rabin makes it clear that PLO is not a terrorist organization. Hamas didn't want to compromise with Israel. There were also Palestinians who opposed this move, because PLO was allotted only 40% of lands in territory and did not correspond to UN partition plan. Other hand, Israel's extremist also opposed any kind of compromise with Palestine. But this does not affected the peace talks. PLO and Israel came face to face first time. They try to solve this issue. This peace agreement is known as Oslo Accords. Prior to accords, first government of Palestine forms in 1994. But in 1995, an Israeli extremist Yigal Amir shot Rabin to death. Assassination of Rabin shocked the world. It shattered all the peace talks. Apart from this, Hamas also opposed such treaties by conducting attacks on Israeli civilians. In response, the Israeli government put economic restrictions.

In 2000, a new summit was mediated by U.S, under leadership with Bill Clinton between Yasser Arafat and then Israeli PM Ehud Barak. But the attempt failed and both sides blamed each other. Same time, the opposition leader of Israel Ariel Sharon made a visit to Temple Mount and delivered a controversial speech. This two events triggered the second intifada It lasted for five years and destroyed the Palestinian economy. The intifada ended in 2005, with Israeli disengagement from Gaza. Due to security concerns during intifada, in 2002 Israeli government built barriers between Israeli settlements and Palestinian enclaves in West Bank and East Jerusalem. In 2004, greatest Palestinian political figure — Yasser Arafat died. Same year, founder of Hamas Ahmed Yassin was assassinated. In 2006, Hamas won elections and got into a conflict with Fatah party known as the Battle of Gaza. Since then, Hamas controls Gaza Strip and Fatah of PA controls the West Bank. A blockade have been made by Egypt and Israel on Gaza Strip for security reasons.

2000—present: Intifada and post-intifada

The summit at Camp David in 2000 failed. At the same time, then Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon made a proactive visit at Temple Mount and delivered controversial speech.

Since 2010, Palestine had experienced a favorable economic. Specially in West Bank and even in Gaza Strip, the economy is slowly reviving. Recently new shopping malls, luxury hotels and technology parks have been developed in the cities of Palestinian territories.

A modern day city scene across East Jerusalem, with view of Temple Mount and Al Aqsa

History

Not only region of Palestine, but entire Levant and broader Middle East is historically known for origination of Abrahamic religions — Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Historical events in the region have been recorded in religious texts such as Bible, Gospel (Injil), Torah, Quran and Hadith. The historic Palestine is known as Holy Land. For Jewish peoples, it is also known as Land of Israel.

Early historical period

Abraham settled in Palestine, which was known in that time as Canaan. He had two sons — Ishmael and Isaac. Ishmael left Canaan and settled in Mecca of Arabian Peninsula. But Isaac remained in Canaan with his father. Isaac had a son named Jacob (), also known by another name Israel. Jacob had 12 sons, named — Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph and Benjamin. After Joseph became minister of Egypt, he called and settled his brothers to Egypt. Gradually, these 12 sons of Jacob flourished in every field. Fearing the rising power of Israelites, Pharaoh gradually started oppressing them and finally made the entire Israelites his slave.

After 400 years, one of the children of Levi, Moses was chosen by God. With efforts of Moses, Israelites got liberated from the slavery and went towards Canaan. With the order of God, Moses told Israelites to attack the region. But they refused Moses by saying "You and your Lord should go and fight, we cannot fight". Because, those Israelites were weakened in slavery period. They had become like a completely helpless community. On which, they were punished by God them to live in desert of Sinai Peninsula for 40 years. After 40 years, the new generation became strong and courageous to fight. The heavenly book, Torah was revealed to Moses. Its clearly written in the first chapter of Torah, the Book of Genesis, that the Holy Land has been reserved by God only for the children of Abraham. Isaac is known as Father of Bani Israel and Ishmael is known as Father of Arab.

After 40 years of spending in the desert, in 1000 B.C, Israelites were finally formed under the leadership of Joshua () and conquered the region. But after sometimes, this region and holy city went out of their hands again and then for the next 300 years they could not capture the city of Jerusalem. Under the leadership of David, Israelites captured the city. David was son of Judah. Solomon, the son of David built first temple in Jerusalem. It is known as Solomon's Temple and it had a box called Ark of the Covenant, which was very important for Israelites and considered as their power. The most powerful tribe of Bani Israel was the tribe of Judah.

Rehoboam, son of Solomon was weak. Due to which, a very tough clash started between the 12 tribes among themselves. This strong entity was divided in two pieces. The 10 tribes freed themselves from the Yehuda and formed a new empire, The Kingdom of Israel. Only two tribes, Judah and Benjamin, remained at their place. Because of this conflict, it is believed that they were cursed by God. Nebuchadnezzar II (Bakhtenasar) of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, from Babylonia attacked and captured those 10 tribes. In the siege of Jerusalem, Solomon's Temple was destroyed. The 10 tribes of Israel fled from their kingdom to save their lives. Many of them settled in East of Euphrates

He laid foundation of a temple. The temple was completed during the time of Solomon. So the temple was named as Solomon's Temple. The temple had a box called Ark of the Covenant, which was very important for Israelites.

In 1300 B.C,

After Joseph became minister of Egypt. After a few years, due to rumors coming from everywhere, Joseph called his brothers to Egypt and settled them. Gradually, these 12 sons started flourishing in every aspects. They started becoming a powerful community like today's Jewish society.

Fearing the power

Cave of Patriarch in Hebron is known as burial site of patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and matriarchs Sarah, Rebecca and Leah. Abraham is known as first prophet in Christianity and Judaism. He had two sons — Ishmael and Isaac. Isaac is known as Father of Bani Israel, while Ishmael is known as Father of Arabs. Ishmael went to Arabian Peninsula, while Isaac stayed with his father in Holy Land. Isaac had a son named Jacob. Jacob (Yaqoob) had 12 sons.

His sons us

These children later built Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Abraham is regarded as the first prophet in Christianity and Judaism, Islam consider Adam as first. Cave of the Patriarch located in Hebron, is known as the burial site of Abraham and his family members. He had two sons — Ishmael and Isaac. Isaac is known as Father of Israelites and Ishmael was known as Father of Arabs.

Around 3,300 years ago, Prophet Moses was ordered by God to liberate Israelites () from the slavery of Pharaoh. After successfully liberating them, prophet's next target was Jerusalem and remaining territories with Israelites. Being in slavery, Israelites refused Moses. God ordered them to stay in desert of Sinai Peninsula for 40 years as punishment and regain their power and courage. The heavenly book Torah (Tawarat) was revealed to Moses. After 40 years, they formed under leadership of Joshua (Yusa) and conquered the territory. However they could not handle the territory for a longer time. Finally, under the leadership of Prophet David (Dawood) Israelites successfully conquered the land. He laid foundation of a temple for worship of God. The temple was completed during the time of Solomon.

The Solomonic Temple stored an box called Ark of the Covenant. The temple and box holds significance to Israelites and Jews and is also mentioned in religious texts of Christianity and Islam. In Quran, the temple and box is named as Haikal e Suleimani and Taboot e Sakina respectively.

The territory was attacked by Nebuchadnezzar II (Bakhtenasar), king of Babylonia (now in modern Iraq). Solomon Temple was destroyed. The king enslaved and took them to Babylon. Tel Abib was the place, where the used to live as slaves. 70 years later, later a noble king of Persia, Cyrus the Great (Zulqarnayn) attacked Babylonian Kingdom and freed the Israelites. He also funded the construction of Second Temple. The Israelites ruled kingdom for many years. Later Roman Empire attacked the territory, sieged Jerusalem and destroyed the temple again. The attack was marked by massacre of men, women and children of Israelites. Many of them were expelled for 600 years. The tribe of Judah (Yehuda) later became religious group which is today known as Jews.

According to Islamic traditions, Prophet Muhammad made a long journey known as Night Journey (Isra' and Mi'raj) from Makkah to Jerusalem via Hebron and then in heaven by a creature known as Buraq. In this journey, he met the prophets and after which he came back to Makkah. The Al-Aqsa Mosque was the place, where he prayed and meet prophets in the first phase of journey. Before Kaaba, the first qibla for Muslims was at Jerusalem's mosque. Muhammad said once " One day, Muslims will gain control of Jerusalem ".

The growth of Caliphate expanded its kingdom by conquering most of the Roman Empire and only Palestine was remaining. After six months of conquering much of Jerusalem, the Patriarch Sophronius agreed to handover Jerusalem to Muslims only in one condition, that was Umar should himself come and meet him. Then Khalid ibn al-Walid impersonate as Umar and went Jerusalem to meet Patriarch. However he caught and had to call Umar. Umar left for Jerusalem and met Sophronius. Patriarch handed keys of Jerusalem to Umar.

later became

Economy

As per International Monetary Fund, Palestine is ranked among middle income based developing countries. The economic condition of Palestine is quite well and moderate. The GDP of Palestine is estimated to be US$40 billion. Due to ongoing conflicts and regional disputes, the economy is disturbed. Due to restrictions imposed by Israel, movement of goods is not easy.

Modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels in Gaza before intifada

Since 1970s, Palestine experienced economic growth better than even Arab states. That was the time of economic boom in Palestine. For 30 years, Palestinian used to work in Israel. In cities of Jerusalem and Gaza, Palestinians had business either independently or joint based. Many Palestinian companies had their headquarters in East Jerusalem. Apart from Israel, Palestinians also worked with companies in foreign countries and engaged in international trade activities. A large number of Palestinians used to work in Middle Eastern countries — Kuwait, Egypt, Libya, Turkey and Iraq. Airports at Jerusalem and Gaza supported transport facilities. Countries such as France, Russia, Japan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia launched infrastructure projects for supporting development.

Already an airport was operating in Jerusalem for Palestinians. A second airport was opened in Gaza in 1998 and was inaugurated in presence of Bill Clinton and Yasser Arafat. France and Russia were working with PA to develop a seaport in Gaza. The city had greenhouses and cement factories. At that time, Israel opened its market to Palestinian labor force. Many foreign companies such as Marriott and Hilton began constructing luxury hotels and shopping malls.

Jerusalem in 1994

This growth was quite interrupted by regional wars and conflicts in Middle East such as Gulf War, Iran–Iraq War and Yom Kippur War. Though it didn't affected the economy greatly until the broke out of second intifada in 2000. In this intifada, the economy completely went down. Gaza and East Jerusalem declined as industrial powerhouse. The supportive infrastructures were destroyed by Israeli army in intifada. Newly built Gaza Airport was destroyed by an airstrike by IDF. The joint industrial zones in Jerusalem, Erez and Gaza brought clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. A seaport was under construction in Gaza which was destroyed in 2000. The blockade in Gaza affected more worse. However, intifada fueled the development of Ramallah and Hebron.

In 1999, Cisco began investing in Palestine for setting up networking academies. The company also worked with Palestinian professionals for Palestine Investment Fund. This move brought a rise in the Palestinian technology sector and since then Palestine have also began developing a sizable technology and outsourcing industry. Eyal Waldman, the founder of Mellanox Technologies began employing Palestine and become first Israeli company to outsource and employ Palestinians. Various projects have been launched to promote peace among Arab countries with Israel. Joint projects based on Israeli

Since 2010, reforms in Palestine have seen resulted a new economic boom in West Bank and even Gaza Strip. The current efforts for peace have also introduced a large number of development projects for the country either in joint cooperation or independently. Recent economic boom saw large scale developments of shopping malls, luxury hotels and technology parks.

Manufacturing and industry

Since 1970s, Palestine experienced a favorable industrial development. The country had strong industrial bases in East Jerusalem and Gaza. A large number of companies in the field of textiles, apparels, chemicals, automobiles and electronics had their facilities in the Palestinian territories. Atarot in Jerusalem had many Palestinian companies. Also many Palestinians used to work in Israeli companies. Mercedes Benz and Coca-Cola had manufacturing plant in Atarot employing many Palestinians. The intifada of 2000 destroyed the economic scope completely. After 2010, development of industrial zones and technology parks have brought hope of economic development.

Due to economic restrictions, many foreign companies often face difficulties in investing. Though multinational companies outsource peoples from Palestine and invested indirectly. Palestine have emerged as an outsourcing hub for multinational companies. A large number of companies including Mellanox Technologies, Freightos, Nvidia, Volvo, Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent, HP and Cisco outsource and employs Palestinian peoples. Mellanox Technologies operates R&D centers in Gaza and Ramallah. Apple, in association with ASAL Technologies operates an R&D center in Rawabi. Palestinian engineers have worked with companies including Microsoft, Google, Intel Corporation, Merck & Co, Thomson Reuters and Teva Pharmaceuticals. A large number of technology parks have been developed throughout Ramallah, East Jerusalem, Hebron and Gaza. Other multinationals such as AT&T, Synamedia, Natural Intelligence, Intuit and SAP employ Palestinians from East Jerusalem.

An industrial area in Hebron

Four industrial parks have been established in Jericho, Jenin, Bethlehem and Tarqumia. Jericho is home to country's first cement plant. Hebron is widely known for its glass and quarrying industry. A large number of mining and quarrying sites can be found throughout the city. Hirbawi, the only Keffiyeh factory of Palestine is in Hebron. Since then, Hebron have emerged as a trade hub in West Bank to its mineral wealth and rich industry. The popular Nabulsi soap is manufactured in Nablus. Gaza Strip have silicon reserves. An aluminum factory operated by NAPCO is located in Nablus. Coca-Cola have four bottling plants in Palestine. Pepsi operates a factory in Jericho. Schneider Electric operates a facility at industrial city of Hendazh located south of Bethlehem. Astra Mining have a design center in Nablus.

According to a 2019 UN report, it is estimated that over 3 billion barrels of oil exist off the coast and beneath the occupied lands of Palestine. Additionally, the Levant Basin in the Mediterranean is believed to hold approximately 1.7 billion barrels of oil, with over 1.5 billion barrels estimated to lie beneath the occupied West Bank area. Overall Palestinian territories have 1,525 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. This figure also includes Meged oil field near the West Bank. As per Palestine Authority, 80% of oil field is on the land owned by Palestinians. Many peoples used to believe that the oil and gas reserve in Palestine is the reason for ongoing conflict and recent war.

In 1999, Israeli industrialist Stef Wertheimer proposed an industrial park in Rafah. But the 2000 intifada stopped the project. However, Wertheimer have planned to restart the industrial park project. A new industrial city is being developed in Gaza. A technology park is proposed in Hebron for both Palestinians and Israelis. Intel has proposed to setup an IT center and technology park with Islamic University of Gaza at its campus. In 2013, the Palestine Polytechnic University and Korea International Cooperation Agency signed an agreement to establish a US$3 million biotechnology center in Hebron.

Banking and finance

Palestine Monetary Authority is the central bank of Palestine. Though it does not issue any currency. The accepted currencies are Israeli shekel and Jordanian dinar. Palestine Monetary Authority is planning to launch a digital currency to reduce its dependency on Israel. In 2007, PMA proposed to issue own currency for Palestine. During British rule, Palestinian Pound was the currency of entire Mandatory Palestine.

Ottoman Bank had a branch in Jerusalem.

Bank of Palestine was founded in Gaza in 1960. Then it moved its headquarters to Ramallah. It have 74 branches and sub-branches. They also operate call centers in Jerusalem and Nablus.

Currently, Ramallah and Nablus are the financial centers of the country. Since 2000, East Jerusalem has declined as a financial hub. After intifada, most of the banking centers moved its headquarter to Ramallah. Many Palestinian banks have moved its headquarters to Ramallah following the dispute in Jerusalem during the intifada.

A new financial city is under construction in Nablus which is known as Nablus Financial Quarter. A similar financial hub is also being developed in Rawabi near Ramallah.

Bank of Palestine operates outsourcing centers in Jerusalem, Gaza, Palestinian cities like Ramallah and Nablus.

Tourism

Palestine is blessed with historical palaces, pilgrimage sites and beaches. Tourism, specially religious tourism is popular In Palestine specially in the cities of Jerusalem (East), Bethlehem and Hebron. All these cities hold religious significance for Abrahamic religions.

Economy

As per International Monetary Fund (IMF), Palestine is a middle income based developing country. It is not counted among least developed countries. The economic value of Palestine is estimated to be US$ 40 billion (GDP PPP). Due to ongoing conflict, Israeli government have imposed economic restrictions on Palestine. In territorial disputes in East Jerusalem and West Bank, income generated by Israeli industrial parks is counted in the national economy of Palestine. Though many Palestinians are employed by the Israeli enterprises in occupied territories and undisputed Israeli areas.

Modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels in Gaza before intifada

Since 1970s, Palestine experience a favorable economic growth. The economy was greater than many Arab countries. Many Palestinians used to work in Israel, Libya, Kuwait, Iraq, Iran and Saudi Arabia. That was the time of booming economy of Palestine. Additionally, tourism and hospitality thrived in Jerusalem. Transport facilities such as airports and railway lines supported industrial growth. This growth affected quietly affected by regional wars and conflicts such as Iran–Iraq War, First Intifada and Gulf War. However, the economic growth was actually hampered with beginning of second intifada. It destroyed the 30 years of booming Palestinian economy. Since 2010, reforms in the country have resulted a new economic boom in the West Bank and even Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem. Recent years saw a large scale development of shopping malls, luxury hotels, technology parks and industrial zones.

Amid this conflict, Palestine have been a moderate and quite prosperous country. Apart from lack of airport, there are other basic infrastructures in big cities like Ramallah and Hebron to accommodate business. Many Palestinians works in foreign countries such as United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Israel etc. Major trade partners of the country are Israel, Qatar, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

Prior to Israeli–Palestinian economic peace efforts, many Israeli and multinational companies have invested in the Palestinian territories. Since 2000, high tech industry experienced significant rise. In 1999, Cisco began setting up Cisco Networking Academy in Palestine. This move led Palestine to become as an emerging destination for high tech industry. Cisco have also sponsored first Palestinian investment conference.

Manufacturing and industry

Due to economic restrictions imposed by Israeli government, its hard to move goods within West Bank and Gaza Strip. This restrictions have prevented foreign direct investment (FDI) by multinational companies. However, these foreign companies, outsource and employs Palestinian peoples indirectly through third party associates on basis of contracts.

Palestine is emerging as an outsourcing hub in Middle East for American and European companies. A large number of multinational companies including AT&T, Synamedia, Wix.com, Intuit, Intel Corporation, Natural Intelligence, Dell Technologies, Unity and HP employs Palestinians from East Jerusalem. Apple, Mellanox Technologies, Nvidia, Cisco, Freightos, Microsoft and Google have setup outsourcing and R&D centers in the country with ASAL Technologies. The outsourcing boom have fueled East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron and Gaza as an outsourcing destination for global tech companies.

An industrial area in Hebron

Major export products are glass, stones, marbles, quarries, mattress, garments, minerals and building materials. Palestinian Authority have developed industrial zones in Bethlehem, Jericho, Gaza, Jenin and Hebron. To name a few, Sinokrot Holding, PADICO Company, Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Schneider Electric have setup their facilities in these industrial estates. Hebron has emerged as an export hub of Palestine. Most advance printing press of the Middle East is in Hebron. Their are significant reserves of minerals in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. In Gaza Strip, silicon is extracted and exported. 60% of stone and marble in Judea and Samaria are from Hebron.

According to a 2019 UN report, it is estimated that over 3 billion barrels of oil exist off the coast and beneath the occupied lands of Palestine. Additionally, the Levant Basin in the Mediterranean is believed to hold approximately 1.7 billion barrels of oil, with over 1.5 billion barrels estimated to lie beneath the occupied West Bank area. Overall Palestinian territories have 1,525 billion barrels of proven oil reserves. This figure also includes Meged oil field near the West Bank. As per Palestine Authority, 80% of oil field is on the land owned by Palestinians. Many peoples used to believe that the oil and gas reserve in Palestine is the reason for ongoing conflict and recent war.

A new industrial city is planned for Gaza Strip. In 1999, Israeli industrialist Stef Wertheimer planned to build an industrial park in Rafah. Due to intifada, the project never progressed. In recent, he planned to restart the construction of industrial park. In 2013, Palestine Polytechnic University and Korea International Cooperation Agency signed an agreement to establish a US$3 million biotechnology center in Hebron.

Banking and finance

After intifada of 2000, the financial hubs in Jerusalem went down. Ramallah fueled as a financial hub for Palestine. A large number of financial institutions and banking centers are in Ramallah. Some foreign banks have their regional headquarters in Ramallah.

Economy

The economic situation in Palestine, including the West Bank and Gaza, prior to the Second Intifada (which began in late 2000) was marked by a mix of positive and challenging factors. It's important to note that there were significant variations in economic conditions between the West Bank and Gaza, as well as disparities within each region.

In the 1990s, following the signing of the Oslo Accords in 1993, there was some optimism regarding economic prospects in Palestine. The agreements aimed to establish a framework for Palestinian self-governance and economic development. During this period, the Palestinian Authority (PA) was established, and efforts were made to promote investment and development, particularly in the West Bank.

There were positive indicators, including modest economic growth, increased foreign aid, and improvements in infrastructure and governance. The Palestinian economy experienced growth rates averaging around 5% in the late 1990s. The construction and tourism sectors showed particular promise, and there was a rise in international donor support for development projects.

However, despite these positive trends, there were underlying challenges that contributed to economic vulnerabilities. The Israeli occupation, control over borders, movement restrictions, and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict limited the potential for sustained and diversified economic growth. Palestinians faced difficulties in accessing markets, resources, and essential services due to checkpoints, roadblocks, and restrictions on the movement of goods and people.

The outbreak of the Second Intifada in late 2000 significantly impacted the Palestinian economy. The violence and subsequent Israeli response led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, disruption of daily life, and a decline in tourism and investment. The period of the Second Intifada was marked by economic contraction, increased unemployment, and a deterioration in living conditions.

peace

Main article: Israeli–Palestinian peace process

See also: One-state solution and Two-state solution

Ehud Barak, Bill Clinton and Yasser Arafat during summit at Camp David in 2000

Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, U.S. president Bill Clinton, and PLO chairman Yasser Arafat

Many times, from Muslim world and Arab countries, leaders have participated in peace processes. In beginning, as a opposition to Zionism and due to less population of Jews the Arab League proposed a one state for all Arabs, Jews and Christians, either run by Islamic law or democratic state with freedom and law equal for peoples of all the religions. This plan was also supported by Shah Faisal, then ruler of Saudi Arabia. However, at that time this offer was rejected. Some of the well regarded leader of Muslims — Saddam Hussein, Muammar Gaddafi and Ahmed Yassin though being hostile towards Israel and being pro Palestinian, approached on several occasions to make peace.

Saddam Hussein, long time leader of Iraq was hostile but on several occasions he participated in peace negotiations. In 1982, to a U.S congressman he expressed his desire of a future state for both Israelis and Palestinians indicating a one state solution. Again in 1990, after invading Kuwait Saddam sent a message to White House through Yasser Arafat offering peace to Israel in return of a fully pledged Palestinian state. In 2000, he was in a secret meeting with Israeli government discussing on regional wars and conflicts in Middle East. Libyan leader

In 2000, Muammar Gaddafi and his son Saifal Islam Gaddafi present a one state solution named Isratin. This proposal was rejected by both Israel an Palestine. Hamas founder Ahmed Yassin offered long term truces on several occasion and proposed recognition of Israel on future Palestinian leaders. PIJ leader Ramadan Shalah supported a one state solution demanding equal and democratic rights for all Jews, Muslims and Christians.

In 2023, according to Arab News, a majority of Palestinians supported a two state solution.

History

Early history: Jewish Influence

Kingdom of Israel in Samaria and the Kingdom of Judah The map shows the region in the 9th century BCE.

Present region of Palestine is known as the Holy Land to Christians, Muslims and Jews. The very much early history follows the establishment of ancient religious kingdoms and dynasties of Jews, Muslims, Christians and other religious communities. Kingdom of Judah and Kingdom of Israel.

Entire Palestine region is home to biblical cities — Jerusalem, Hebron, Bethlehem, Capernaum, Beersheba, Mount Zion, Palmyra and Nazareth etc. Modern day countries of Israel and Palestine is located on the historical regions of Judea, Samaria and Galilee which are related to peoples of all Abrahamic religions. These places are mentioned in the Holy Bible. Samaria is known to Muslims by two names — Samira and Mount Nablus.

The Bani Israelis and Moses

The history of this place been revolving around the cities of Jerusalem, Hebron, Nazareth and other cities which have significance on world's three major and Abrahamic religions — Christianity, Islam and Judaism for more than 2000 years. This cities are considered historic in Islam while in Judaism and Bible it is referred as biblical city. Because their names have been mentioned in the holy Bible. The place was inhabited by Bani-Israel. They used to live in the holy land around Jerusalem and other biblical cities. The Bani Israelis were under the rule of Pharaoh. They used to be their slaves.

After arrival, Moses put efforts to free the Israelites (Jews) from the slavery of Pharoah. He was successful in freeing the last Bani Israeli from the slavery of Pharaoh. Their next plan was to access the control of Jerusalem. Jews under the slavery of Pharoah were weekend. They weren't much courageous and capable of fighting

Moses asked Israelites to help him in conquering Jerusalem and whole land. The Israelites refused to help Moses and said him to handle the situation alone. After that the god ordered Moses to stay with Bani Israelis in the desert for 40 years which is now as the Sinai Peninsula in modern Egypt. In between this period the Bani Israelis regained their power and courage to fight. Holy book Torah (known as Taurat in Islam) was revealed to Moses when he was in the Sinai peninsula. In Book of Genesis, its clearly written that the holy land belongs to both Israelites and Arabs.

Jews were finally formed under the leadership of Joshua. They conquered Palestine. But after some time this city and whole territory went out of their hands again. For the next 300 years the Bani Israelis could not capture the state and the city of Jerusalem.

First Temple

Main articles: Solomon's Temple and Siege of Jerusalem (70 CE)

After 300 years Bani Israel captured this city under the leadership of David (known as Dawood in Islam). They conquered Jerusalem again. David laid foundation of building the First temple (known as Haikal e Sulaimani to Muslims) in Jerusalem for the peoples. Jews considered it as a place of worship. The construction of First Temple was completed under the leadership of Solomon. A box called Taboot E Sakina placed in the temple.

After Solomon, Jews ruled Jerusalem and Palestine for next 400 years. After 400 years, Neo-Babylonian Empire came to to power in Iraq. A very powerful empire had been formed, whose emperor Nebuchadnezzar II (known as Bakhtenasar for Muslims) attacked Palestine to expand his empire, destroyed the city of Jerusalem and martyred thousands of Jews. He also destroyed the temple which was built by Solomon. Remaining alive Jews were enslaved and took Iraq to their capital Babylon. Jews continue to enslave Iraq for 70 years.

Second Temple

After 70 years, Iraq was attacked by a noble king of Iran, Cyrus the Great and he is known as Zulqarnayn in the Holy Quran. Cyrus the Great conquered this kingdom and sent all the Jews who were here back. He also gave them funds to go back and rebuild the temple of Solomon, which was destroyed. They built the Second Temple. After which the Jews again ruled over Palestine for 400 years.

But they were attacked by an empire which expelled all the Jews from here for 600 years. This empire was none other than the Roman Empire and they did oppression on the Jews. The Jews also tried fight the Roman Empire, but the Roman Empire murdered thousands of Jews. The situation became so worse that the Jews started hiding from the Roman Empire, started living in prisons and the Roman Empire destroyed the Second Temple once again. After that this temple could not rebuilt till date. The Roman Empire ruled Jerusalem and Palestine for 600 years.

Islamic influence on Palestine

Rashidun Caliphate: Umar's accession to Jerusalem

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

The Islamic religion and Caliphate spread so fast that within a few years both the Roman and Persian Empires were conquered. After which Khalifa Umar became the most powerful emperor in the world, whose rule was much bigger than the empire of Alexander the Great. After all, the Muslims reached the door of Jerusalem while conquering the Roman Empire. Muhammad, the last prophet of Islam stated that "One day Jerusalem will definitely be conquered by the Muslims. Muslims have two options — either destroy Jerusalem in the same way as other kings had done before or seize it.

Finally, after six months, Governor of Jerusalem — Sophronius said that he will hand over Jerusalem to Muslims only in one condition. That was Khalifa Umar himself should come and meet him. Then Khalid ibn al-Walid thought that why should the Khalifa of Islam be disturbed. So he himself impersonate as Umar and went to meet Sophronius. Because Khalid bin Walid's appearance was similar to Umar and height of both was exactly same. So Khalid bin Walid reached Jerusalem as Umar. But there was person who already met Umar. So he said it could not be Umar. Khalid was forced to do so.

Umar, that time's most powerful king had to leave for Jerusalem. Sophronius got ready wearing full luxury gold and silver jewelry. Because such a big king was coming to meet him. But Sophronius and whole Jerusalem was surprised to see that king's slave was sitting on the camel and the king himself was coming on foot in normal clothes. This scene was very shocking for the people of Palestine. Because, before him whenever any king had conquered Jerusalem, he had destroyed the city and killed many peoples.

Khalifa Umar conquered the city of Jerusalem and took control of entire Palestine. Without shedding anyone's blood, Sophronius handed over the territory to Umar. But he put a condition that, Muslims would not allow the Jews to enter the city of Jerusalem. But Umar did not accept the condition and Jews were also allowed to the Temple Mount. This was the first time when, the state came under control of Muslims. When Umar arrived in Jerusalem, he asked first about the church. After proper inspection of church when he was about to leave it was the time of Salah. The caretaker of Church suggested Umar to pray Salah at church. But he refused to pray at church. He said that if he pray at church, the Muslims will think of converting of church into a mosque which is wrong. Instead of praying their, he prayed at a place outside the church which is now known as the Mosque of Omar in Jerusalem.

Umar gave freedom to all religions. For almost 350 years Muslims, Christians and Jews started living in peace

Attack on Palestine by the Crusaders

350 years later, the Christian gathered troops from allover Europe and attacked Palestine again. At that time, there were many wars going on among the Muslims. Taking advantage of which the Crusaders easily conquered Palestine. After conquering Palestine, they attacked the Muslims and Jews. Thousands of Muslims and Jews were martyred. Mosques and synagogues were destroyed. They converted Al-Aqsa Mosque into a palace. The children and women of Jews hide themselves in buildings and structure. But the Crusaders set fire to these buildings and burned their children and women alive. After which Crusaders ruled the state for almost 90 years

Salahuddin: King of Ayyub dynasty

After 90 years, a great king of Muslims — Saladin planned to conquered the state. He gathered troops from the entire Muslim world and captured the state again by snatching it from the Christians. At that time all the Christians thought that Saladin will take revenge from them in the same way as Crusaders martyred millions of Muslims.

But Saladin, just like Umar forgave all the Crusaders. Even the Crusaders surprised at Saladin's forgiveness. They asked Saladin, that why did he forgave them. But Saladin said:

I am not those men. I am Salahuddin

— Salahuddin Ayyubi

Saladin gave freedom to all these religions again. The mosque, now a palace was restored into a mosque. The first namaz by Saladin was offered there. After Saladin, once again all the Abrahamic religions have conquered the state with peace. They ruled over the land. It lasted for 800 years.

Modern period

Ottoman Empire and World War I

A Jewish man praying at the Western Wall (painting by Jean-Léon Gérôme

After 800 years, the state came under the control of Ottoman Empire. Before World War I, there was no any kind of conflict in Palestine and peoples of all the religions used to live here peacefully. The Muslims were in majority, but with them Jews and Christians also live peacefully. At that time, this entire area falls under the control of Ottoman Empire. On the map, it can be seen that the Ottoman Empire was spread over a large part of Europe, Northern Africa and the parts of Middle East. It was called as the Sultanate of Osmania by Muslims.

Ottoman soldiers guarding Al-Aqsa, Jerusalem

There were some Arab leaders who were very fed up with the rule of Ottoman Empire. They wanted to liberated themselves from here. For this purpose and to accomplish this they secretly met the Britishers. Britishers were enemy of the Ottoman Empire. The British promised them that, if they help them in the war against the Ottoman Empire and in return they would given an independent country. A similar promise was made by British to the Jews present in Europe. Jews present in Europe were already facing a lot of difficulties.

The reason behind is religious conflict. For many centuries, Christians believe that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus. Due to this, many Christians humiliates Jews in Europe. They don't tolerate the Jews. Jews used to call the movement to get their own country in Palestine as Zionism. This movement was started in 1896 by Theodor Herzl. He wrote a book Der Judenstaat. It was written that if Jews wanted to live a peaceful life, they have to established a state in Palestine. In the beginning, many Jews were against this concept. But soon this movement turned into a political form.

Jews from allover the world called Palestine. They started turning to Palestine and funded by their own community. Jews got funded to setup businesses and factories there. The British government had also promised them i.e. European Jews, that they will give them chance to build their own country in Palestine. In world war I, the Ottoman Empire was suffering a severe defeat. On 2 November 1917, Britain's foreign secretary Arthur Balfour gave a letter in the name of Walter Rothschild who was head of a British Jewish Community. It was written that British government decided that Jews should come to Palestine and develop their own country. Rothschild was assured that British government will support them. Also it was written that this will not cause any harm to the Muslims already living here.

Mandatory Palestine (1924 — 1948)

Main article: Mandatory Palestine

A month after writing Balfour's letter, British solider came and captured Palestine. They ended the 400 year rule of Ottoman Empire. Palestine came under the control of British in world war I. They tried their best to establish a Jewish colony and became successful. In 1919, Balfour wrote a memorandum in which it was written, that he no need to consult Arabs for establishing Jewish colony.

King David Hotel, Jerusalem - post bombing 1946

Lord Balfour's visit to Binyamin 1925. Sitting from left to right: Vera Weizman, Haim Weizman, Balfour, Nahum Sokolov. Standing: British Mandate officials and PKA officials (Henry Frank and Jules Rosenhack)

In the eye of the Arabs of Palestine, the law made by Britain for Jews was very soft. The process of coming of Jewish immigrants from all over the world started in Palestine. They built their own schools and factories. Immigration of Jews to Palestine is termed as Aliyah. With the wish of British, they also created their own small army known as Haganah. Arabs saw the establishment of Jewish settlements by British. They continued to tolerate it for some years. But in 1939, the Arabs of Palestine started raising their voice.

For raising their voice, the Palestinian Arabs were given severe punishment. Many were arrested, some leaders were expelled from Palestine and some were hanged. But still the Arabs of Palestine did not end their strikes. On this the British government formed Peel Commission to solve the matter. This commission found a solution to unrest in Palestine that Palestine should be divided into two parts. It was rejected by the Arabs. There was already unrest on the issue of division of Palestine, which was objected by Arabs. Their strike continued till 1939, until the British government released its White Paper.

Jewish protest demonstrations against Palestine White Paper, May 18, 1939. Zionist young men & girls parading on King George Ave, Jerusalem

In this White Paper, the British government condemned the last 20 years of Palestine. Keeping the current situation in mind, a policy was published. In this policy, first of all the Peel Commission was rejected. This ended the Arabian strike. Apart from this, the new Jewish immigrants coming to Palestine were banned and already present Jews of Palestine were banned of buying lands from Arabs. It was also decided that Palestine should be an independent state in next 10 years and the same would be the home country of the Jewish people.

This White Paper was like a fraud to Zionists. White Paper first time created conflict between the Jews and the British. They refused to accept the White Paper and started attacks on the British government throughout Palestine. In which many local Palestinians were also killed. These attacks continued for several months.

World War II started in 1939, where this war took lives of 60 million peoples. Meanwhile in Germany, Hitler led Nazi Party mercilessly killed six million European Jews in their death camps. This incident is called Holocaust. 66% Jews living in Europe between 1941 and 1945 were killed by Hitler. The surviving Jews had no other option but to go to Palestine. Because it was holy place for them, already some Jewish community already settled there and many of the Muslims saved Jews from Holocaust. Arabs of Palestine also welcomed Jews and they had not much objection on their arrival.

Despite the limit on immigration imposed by the British, they started migrating to Palestine. After the second world war, Britishers were tired and no longer had the courage to fight against Zionist in Palestine. In 1947, they decided to leave. They handed over this issue to the UN.

United Nations proposed to give larger parts of Palestine to minority Jews and smaller parts to the majority Arabs. In the UN General Assembly, this proposal got 72 votes and it was finalized that larger part of Palestine would be given for the Jewish state. At that time, India was also present in the UN Assembly and India also voted against this decision. Then prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru had raised a lot of voice against the decision of UN and said that the Indian ambassador of UN was bribed by Zionists to vote in their favor. This resolution of UN was rejected by all the Arab countries. Both sides started attacking each other. But the Jewish army was very strong, so the Palestinians could not compete with them.

Israeli independence and Palestinian nationalism

Yasser Arafat's speech to the United Nations in 1974

Demonstration in Tel Aviv supporting Geneva Accord (2004).

On 14th May 1948, David Ben-Gurion officially formed the state of Israel. He became the first Prime Minister of Israel. In 1948, all the Arab neighboring countries together decided to attack Israel. This was the First Arab-Israeli War, in which five Arab countries attack Israel which formed recently. But Israel had support of Western countries. They had a very strong military. Therefore, Israel alone defeated five Arab countries. After the end of war, the areas chosen by UN for Palestine are now occupied by Israel.

The West Bank came under the control of Jordan and Gaza Strip under the control of Egypt. In 1967, another Arab — Israeli war takes place in which Israel not only occupies the West Bank but also the Gaza Strip and the entire Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. In the midst of all this, the people of Palestine want to create their own country. For this purpose, they formed their own organization which was named Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Initially, by taking up arms, they tried to forcefully get their own country. To raise their voice, PLO also hijacked many planes and ships. Thus from the side of U.S. and Israel, PLO was declared as a terrorist organization. But many countries did not declare PLO as terrorist organization. They considered it only as a revolutionist who wants to create their own country.

In 1974, PLO got official recognition in the UN in this regard that they are representative of Palestinians. After that, in 1979, peace talks between Egypt and Israel successfully held and Egypt becomes the first Muslim country to officially recognize Israel. After which Israel returns Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. But after two years, Egyptian PM Anwar Sadat got assassinated by extremist group who opposed his move with Israel. In 1988, Yasser Arafat declared the Palestine's independence. At that time a part of PLO splits which is today known as Hamas.

Once again peace talks take place between Israel and PLO. PLO leader Yasser Arafat also officially recognize and Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin also officially recognize PLO. He makes it clear that PLO is not a terrorist organization. Hamas didn't want to compromise with Israel. Other hand, Israel's extremist also opposed any kind of compromise with Palestine. But this does not affected the peace talks. PLO and Israel came face to face first time. They try to solve this issue. This peace agreement is known as Oslo Accords. But in 1995, the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin by Israeli extremist Yigal Amir shattered all the peace talks.

In 1996, first government of Palestine forms.

History

Early religious influences

Palestine region holds historical significance to world's major Abrahamic religions. The history

Politics

Main article: International recognition of the State of Palestine

Madeleine Albright and Yasser Arafat in 1998

Palestine is a de jure country. As of 2 June 2023, a total of 139 countries recognize it. Palestine is recognized as a non member observer state at UN since November 2012. It is officially known as the State of Palestine in the UN. The state of Palestine claims two territories — the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) and the Gaza Strip. Since the Six Day war of 1967, Israel has occupied East Jerusalem and parts of West Bank.

After the first Arab Israel war, Israel occupied the territories of Palestine planned by UN which includes today's Acre and Nazareth. In 1967, the official partition was planned for Palestine and Israel. After the 1967 Six Day war ended, Israel occupied not only West Bank but also the entire Sinai Peninsula. In 1979, a peace treaty was signed between Egyptian prime minister Anwar Sadat and Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin witnessed by Jimmy Carter. Following this move, Israel returned the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt.

Following the Oslo Accords I in 1993, both Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel recognize each other. In the Oslo Accords, the parts of West Bank was divided into three parts — Area A, Area B and Area C. Area A would be completely under control of Palestinian Authority, Area B under control of both PA and Israeli government and Area C completely under control of Israeli government. However, this move made split of Hamas from the PLO. Hamas opposed the peace process with Israel. But since 2000, Hamas have also offered truce which was rejected by Israel.

Peace process and negotiations

Main articles: Israeli–Palestinian peace process and Israel palestine peace

See also: Oslo Accords and 2000 Camp David Summit

Yitzhak Rabin, Yasser Arafat and Bill Clinton at White House in 1993

In 1993, Oslo Accords started Oslo process, a new peace process between Israel and Palestine to implement peace between the country. This was the first time when Israel and PLO came together. Taba Summit was the final agreement of the Oslo Accords. In this agreement, both Israel and Palestine Liberation Organization recognize each other. However this move was opposed by the extremist wings of both sides. This gave Hamas more attention who too opposed the peace negotiations with Israel. As same the Jewish extremists opposed the movement. But this opposition didn't affected the peace talks. Following this peace talks Yasser Arafat, Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In 1995, Rabin was assassinated by right wing extremist Yigal Amir. The assassination severely affected the peace talk.

After the Oslo Accords, many more peace talks held between Palestine and Israel. These includes Wye River Memorandum (1998), Camp David Summit (2000), Isratin (2000), Taba Summit (2001), Roadmap for peace (2002) and Geneva Initiative (2004) etc.

The Geneva Initiative was well appreciated by Yasser Arafat but criticized by Ariel Sharon. This initiative states equal division of Jerusalem among the Jews and Muslims. The division of Jerusalem was the same as The Clinton Parameters which guided two state solution for Israel and Palestine. Since 1993, many economic peace efforts have been taken by entrepreneurs both sides. This initiative have introduced various joint development projects. Out of which many projects have been successful.

In 2017, Hamas accepted the two state solution based on the 1967 border.

Several times Israel offered peace solution and blamed Palestinians for its rejection and failure. On other hand, Palestine with Muslim countries proposed peace process also rejected by Israel. Hamas offered five time peace which was usually long term truce and was rejected by the Israeli government. Muslim political leaders such as Muammar Gaddafi, Shah Faisal and Saddam Hussein also participated in the Israeli–Palestinian peace process but failed and rejected. In 2017, Hamas accepted the two state solution based on the 1967 borders.

Like how Israel offered peace and accused Palestinians for rejecting. Same Israel too rejected peace with Hamas five times. Ahmed Yassin, founder of Hamas proposed long term Hudnas (truce) which were rejected by Israel. In case of any development project with Israel, Hamas agreed on long truce. Muslim leaders such as Muammar Gaddafi, Shah Faisal and Saddam Hussein also participated in the Israel palestine peace process but failed

Administration

President Mahmoud Abbas

Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh

Palestine is governed by the Palestinian National Authority commonly known as PA. whose headquarters known as Muqata is in Ramallah.

As per the Oslo Accords, the West Bank was divided into three sections — Area A, Area B and Area C. Area A completely came under the control of Palestinian Authority, Area B under the control of both PA and Israeli government and Area C completely under the control of Israel. This plan poorly corresponds to the UN partition plan of both 1948 borders and 1967 borders.

As per the Oslo Accords, the Palestine Authority have complete control over Area A and partial control over Area B of West Bank, parts and suburbs of East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. While Area C is contiguous Israeli settlement which is considered illegal internationally.

Geography

The state of Palestine officially consists of two non contiguous territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip on the east and west corners of Israel respectively. West Bank encompasses an area of 5,655 km² (2,183 sq mi) which includes East Jerusalem with an area of 70 km² (27 sq mi). Major cities in the West Bank under Palestinian Authority includes Hebron, Bethlehem, Nablus, Jericho and Jenin. The Gaza Strip includes the state's largest city Gaza and others include Rafah and Khan Yunis.

Demographics

As per the recent census, the population of Palestine combining both West Bank and Gaza Strip.

As per an Italian Jewish demographer Sergio Della Pergola, at that time the population Muslims was around 1 million, Jews were 600 thousand and Christians were 100 thousand

Largest cities or towns in State of Palestine Source?
	Rank		Administrative division	Pop.
Gaza Jerusalem (East)	1	Gaza	Gaza Governorate	766,331	Hebron Nablus
	2	Jerusalem (East)	Quds Governorate	482,854
	3	Hebron	Hebron Governorate	239,772
	4	Nablus	Nablus Governorate	{{{pop_4}}}
	5	Khan Yunis	Khan Yunis Governorate	{{{pop_5}}}
	6	Jabalia	North Gaza Governorate	165,110
	7	Jabalia	North Gaza Governorate	165,110
	8	Rafah	Rafah Governorate	158,414
	9	Ramallah	Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate	104,173
	10	Beit Lahia	North Gaza Governorate	86,526

Economy

Main article: Economy of Palestine

Rawabi is the first planned tech city of Palestine built near Ramallah

Palestine has a lower middle income and developing economy. In 2021, the GDP of the state was US$30 billion. Due to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, there have been several restrictions on transport of goods and materials across the state. Though being poor from one side, its quite developed from another site. The economic condition is well in the West Bank as compared to the Gaza Strip. Previously Palestine used to have infrastructures accommodating industries. Prior to second intifada, the airports in Palestine were destroyed and since then no any airports have been active in Palestine.

However their are significant sources indicating that at many extents, the state has quite prosperity specially in the West Bank. As per sources, it have been found that there are 600 millionaires in the Gaza Strip. Industries consists of generally small family businesses that produce cement, textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the Israelis have established some small-scale, modern industries in the settlements and industrial centers. In recent year high tech industries have started developing in the state.

Manufacturing and industry

A cement plant near Ramallah

The manufacturing industry is quite developed in West Bank. To promote foreign relations of Palestine, several countries in association have built up many industrial parks and promote trade between them. The four major industrial parks includes the Jericho Industrial Park (Japan), Bethlehem Industrial Park (France), Tarquima Industrial Park (Turkey) and Jenin Industrial Park (Germany). Many Israeli and Palestinian joint industrial parks have also opened.

However, Gaza has potential to be a big industrial center in the Sinai Peninsula. In 2000, a gas field was discovered in the Gaza Strip. It is worth more than millions or trillions of dollars. Gaza Marine could help in boosting the Palestinian economy and regional cooperation. In 2019, the gas fields were worth more than US$500 billion. Located about 30 kilometers from the Gaza coast, it is between the giant Leviathan and Zohr gas fields. Gaza is a coastal city. Since the Oslo Accords signed in 1993, there have plans to build a seaport and airport in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Ramallah is the primary financial, commercial and technical hub of the state. Many of the electronics and IT companies have come up to invest in the state of Palestine. Some of the multinational companies such as Apple Inc and Mellanox Technologies have setup R&D centers in Palestine. Hebron is popular for its Hebron glass. While Nablus is widely known for its Nabulsi soap. Food and beverage companies — Coca-Cola, Pepsi and SodaStream had their manufacturing plants in Gaza Strip.

Information technology and telecommunications

See also: Communications in the State of Palestine

Rawabi is home to R&D centers of Apple Inc and Mellanox Technologies

13 universities have ICT-faculties, with 2500 yearly graduates. There are more than 300 ICT-related companies, both in the West Bank as in Gaza, with a total of around 5000 employees. Paltel Group and Jawwal are the major telecom companies of the state. Paltel Group have two data centers for telecommunication in Ramallah. The company has also opened a technology park in Ramallah to accommodate ICT companies

Mellanox Technologies, Wix, Freightos, Microsoft Israel, and a host of other Israeli companies already employ Palestinian software engineers and programmers – whether directly or through third-party associates — in Gaza, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron and, now, Rawabi. ASAL Technologies is an outsourcing firm of Palestine which outsource engineers and other professionals from the state for Israeli companies.

American multinational electronics company Apple Inc have two research and development centers in the state. One is at Jerusalem and another is at Rawabi. Mellanox Technologies also invested in the state. The company planned to setup R&D center in West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Transport

Beacon fishermen port in Gaza City

Palestine have a poor transport system due to the Israeli occupation and travelling restrictions. In terms of road transport, only the state is quite stable. There are many major roads in the Area A and Area B. Due to many checkpoints, travelling across the Palestinian territories have created difficulty in the economy. The blockade of Gaza Strip have severely affected the territory's economy.

Currently there are no active airports in the state of Palestine. There are three airports in the state — Yasser Arafat International Airport (Gaza Strip), Gush Katif Airport (Gaza Strip) and Jerusalem International Airport (Atarot, East Jerusalem). After Atarot airport, Yasser Arafat International Airport was opened in 1998. It was destroyed in 2001 during Second Intifada by Israeli airstrikes. Prior to airport's bombing, Gush Katif Airport managed to handle air traffic for the strip until 2004.

Tourism

Due to presence of religious and pilgrimage sites across Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Hebron have attracted many foreign and domestic tourists. Many of the tourists also come to the state for pilgrimage purposes. After Makkah and Madinah, Jerusalem and Hebron are considered as the third and fourth holiest site in Islam. Bethlehem has been the birthplace of Jesus. Hebron is the resting place of Abraham

Culture

______

State of Palestine

Palestine, officially known as the State of Palestine is a state located in the Middle East. It consists of two non contiguous territories of West Bank and Gaza Strip which also includes East Jerusalem. The state claims Jerusalem, specially the East Jerusalem as its capital. Palestine have an overall population of five million peoples. Two territories of the state is situated on the east and west ends of Israel

History

Early and medieval

The history of state begins with the establishment of the early peoples known as Jews, the adherents of Judaism. It is believed that the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus. Jesus is known as centrifugal figure in Christianity. The actual Jewish inhabitants were Israelites (known as Bani-Israeli in Islam). The Solomon's Temple

Salahuddin Ayyubi and Ottoman Empire

In the 12th century, Salahuddin al-Ayyubi took control of the city

Economy

Economy of Palestine

Ramallah — the financial and commercial capital of Palestine
Currency	None de jure. Currencies generally used in Palestine include: Israeli new shekel (ILS; ₪) alongside: Jordanian dinar (JOD) United States dollar (USD) Egyptian pound (EGP)
Fiscal year	Calendar year
Trade organisations	OIC, Group of 77
Country group	Developing/Emerging Lower-middle income economy
Statistics
Population	4,569,087 (2018)
GDP	$30 billion (2021 est.)
GDP growth	1.2% (2017) 0.9% (2018) −2.5% (2019e) 2.1% (2020f)
GDP per capita	$1924 (West Bank) $876 (Gaza)
GDP by sector	agriculture: 5.5% industry: 23.4% services: 71.1% (2014 UN data)
Inflation (CPI)	2.7% (June 2013)
Population below poverty line	25.8% (2011 est.)
Human Development Index	0.690 medium (2018) (119th) 0.597 medium IHDI (2018)
Labour force	1,316,023 (2019) 32.0% employment rate (2018)
Labour force by occupation	Agriculture: 12% Industry: 23% Services: 65% (2008 est.)
Unemployment	27.5% (Q1 2013)
Main industries	Cement, quarrying, textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, mother-of-pearl souvenirs, food processing
External
Exports	$720 million (2011)
Export goods	Olives, fruit, vegetables, limestone, citrus, flowers, textiles
Imports	$4.2 billion (2011)
Import goods	Food, consumer goods, construction materials
Public finances
Government debt	$4.2 billion (June 2013)
Budget balance	$1.3 billion (13% of GDP; 2012 est.)
Revenues	$2.2 billion (2012 est.)
Expenses	$3.54 billion (2012)
Foreign reserves	$464 million (march 2016) (163nd)
All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars.

The economy of State of Palestine is Developing and Emerging Lower-middle income economy. It's GDP is around US$ 30 billion. The economy of Palestine is middle income developing. It's GDP is estimated to be US$30 billion in 2021. Though being active in the ongoing conflict with Israel, Palestine continues to grow and sustain development. Along with the self development and peace process efforts, their has been a change in the state's economy. Ramallah is a major commercial and financial center of Palestine home to many of the Palestinian banks and software companies. Other major cities in the state includes Gaza, Nablus, Bethlehem and Hebron

According to 2012 Happy Planet Index, Palestinian Authority was found to be third happiest Arab country and 30th happiest in the world.

Developing/Emerging Lower-middle income economy

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The economy of Palestine is middle income developing. It's GDP is estimated to be US$30 billion in 2021. Though being active in the ongoing conflict with Israel, Palestine continues to grow and sustain development. Along with the self development and peace process efforts, their has been a change in the state's economy. Ramallah is a major commercial and financial center of Palestine home to many of the Palestinian banks and software companies. Other major cities in the state includes Gaza, Nablus, Bethlehem and Hebron

Palestine Export Treemap from MIT Harvard Economic Complexity Observatory

The Palestinian industrial sector is categorized by its wide variety of products and interrelated sub sector branches. The sector lacks severely the adequate continuously available raw materials for the sustainability of the sector. But it has a great advantage of the dedicated hard working and resilient business community. The business community, as a driving force for the industry, was able to achieve several successes during difficult uncertain conditions. One of the main features of industry was its connectivity to the Israeli economy. On one side this is a fatal threat to industry because its success is subject to the Israeli priorities, not the Palestinian priorities, and it is a known fact that most of these priorities are not business related and highly politicized. On the other hand, industry has benefited from Israeli business connections elsewhere in the world. The sector is represented by the Palestinian Federation of Industries (PFI). The PFI advocates for better industrial policies and regulations and works on developing and upgrading industrial performance. The federation started its work in 1999 with a representation of six industrial associations. Today, thirteen different industrial associations are members of the federation. Industry is playing an important role in the economic and social well being of the Palestinian society. It employs about 13% of the total workforce and it contributes 16% to the GDP. Exports were (and still are) a good economic ambassador for the entire Palestinian cause. The rapid growth of industry was notable during the nineties, the political uncertainty and turbulences have affected the industrial sector negatively. A slight shift was noticed in the structuring of industry that is related to both political changes and international economic changes and globalization sequences. The leather and shoe making industry and the garment and textile industry are examples of badly affected industries. Contrary to that, Pharmaceutical industries and marble and stone industries were good examples of positive change.

Through donations from Arab Funds, rehabilitation was carried out in the industrial parks of Beit Jala, Salfit, Abu Deis, Albeireh, Nablus and others still on the list. With the assistance of donor community, four industrial zones have been rated as a priority for development. These are:

•  Jenin industrial park with the help of German government (KFW)
•  Tarqumia industrial park with the help of Turkish government
•  Bethlehem industrial park with the help of French government
•  Jericho agricultural park with the help of Japanese government.

Table 16: main export products #o Products Percentage

• 1 Marble and stone 30%
• 2 Food products 16%
• 3 Metal and plastic products 10%
• 4 Agricultural products 19%
• All other sectors 25%

Sectors

Industry and manufacturing

Metal and steel

Metal and engineering industries have a wide variety of products that are strongly related to the anticipated construction process. Any further efforts to boost the construction sector will have its sequential effects on the metal industry. Specifically, the following products are directly related to construction process: abrasives and welding rods, nails, reinforcement steel rods, aluminum profiles for windows, doors, partitions, kitchen and path room facilities, metal decorative and entrance doors, metal furniture and other similar necessities. Moreover, metal industries have a wide variety of products, ranging from construction related industries to production of mechanical and electrical machines. The data of PCBS shows that the sector has the second largest exported products after stone and marble industries. More specifically, it exported about US$ 72 million in the year 2007.

As of 2021, Palestine exported iron and steel to Israel worth US$89 million.

Stone and marble industry

The stone and marble industry is the largest exporting industry in terms of export volume and export markets. A number of firms are ready for export in terms of machinery and raw materials. They lack the expertise of marketing, good manufacturing practices and the organization culture for export as well as the quality culture. Currently the number of direct exporting firms ranges from eight to twelve, whereas the indirect exporters could reach the figure of 40 firms. Qualifying another ten companies in the sector will have its positive impacts on the whole sector. The official export data of 2007 is about US$103 million, whereas the actual figures greatly exceed the official figures.

The Palestinian stone and marble products are sold in more than 35 countries, and the production capacity has reached about 40 million square meters per year. Any assistance given to the industry will help resume the production capacity utilization and restore employment trend to its normal figures of 15000 workers. The following effect can be seen in the sector. The stones and marbles are widely used in the construction industry. Some of the precious stones and marbles are used for construction of buildings and structures like stately buildings, memorial buildings, and monuments. These include mosques, churches, cathedrals, temples, cemeteries, theaters, universities, public libraries, palaces, villas, hotels, malls, and so forth.

Food and beverage industry

The water purification facility of the Khan Yunis Water Authority

The food sector is growing rapidly both vertically and horizontally. The official figures of the sector indicate that there are more than 1600 working firms in this sector including bakeries. Excluding bakeries, the actual number of firms becomes 224 manufacturing firms including the large scale milk cow farms (>50 cows). 152 of them are active members of the food industry association, which is a strong association. The large number of female cooperatives working in food processing sector and traditional sweets and confectionary makers are not included. The labor force is estimated at 8000 worker. The industry is spread all over the West Bank. The importance of the sector is its direct organic relation the food security of the nation.

Chemical

The sector is represented by an industrial association that needs to be strengthened and institutionalized. The estimated number of regulated companies working in the industry is 60, five in producing cosmetics, five in the production of paints and inks and the remaining are working in the detergents production. The actual number of producers (un-regulated) is much more than that. Some factories produce both detergents and cosmetics. The average number of workers is estimated at 15, and the total employment is estimated at 900 workers. The actual number is greater than this because of the non-regulated manufacturers. The industry is spread all over the West Bank.

Plastics and Polymers

This industry is distributed around the various parts of the West Bank with a focus on plastic pipes in Hebron and Ramallah. According to the sectors association records the total number of industrial facilities is 100 firms employing 1000 workers with a total average of 10 workers per firm. The working labor varies from 5 to 20 workers with an exception of 4 factories employing more than 50 workers. The industry is represented by an association that needs to be strengthened. The industry sales are distributed over the West Bank 66%, Gaza Strip 15%, Jerusalem 2% and Israel 10%. It is clear that local market is the core of this industry.

Electronics industry

Due to its close proximity to Israel, which is home to Middle East's most advance technology industries and Palestine takes an advantage of this proximity. In the Levant, after Silicon Wadi and Download Valley, the tech cluster in Palestine especially in Rawabi and Ramallah is home to electronics industries of the state. The growth of software companies have also attracted electronics and electrical equipment company to setup their businesses in Palestine. Owing to Israeli–Palestinian peace process, various initiatives have been taken to promote business and trade between the states, specially in the field of electronics.

Mellanox Technologies (now sold to Nvidia), a former Israeli—American supplier of telecom equipment have employed Palestinian professionals from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The company also invested in setting up new factories and R&D centers in Palestine to improve the relations of Israel and Palestine. Eyal Waldman, the former CEO of the company choose Ramallah and Gaza for setting up R&D center which costed more than opening such center in Europe.

Apple Inc have been operating its business in the region for more than 20 years. The company have invested throughout the region in new R&D and outsourcing centers. It operates a research & development (R&D) center in Jerusalem. An another R&D center is located in Rawabi which is operated in association with ASAL Technologies.

Software and telecommunications

Since 2000, a high tech industry have taken birth in Palestine. This is supported by its close proximity of Israel. Many software companies who invests in Israel express their wish to invest in Palestine as well. Apple Inc operates an R&D center in Jerusalem, Rawabi and Ramallah.

Oil and gas

The oil and gas industry have plethoric opportunities for the state's economic and industrial development. In 2000, an oil and gas field was discovered in Gaza. It is worth about more than US$500 billion or US$1 trillion.

Electronics

Due to its close proximity to Israel, which is home to Middle East's most advance technology industries and Palestine takes an advantage of this proximity. In the Levant, after Silicon Wadi and Download Valley, the tech cluster in Palestine especially in Rawabi and Ramallah is home to electronics industries of the state. The growth of software companies have also attracted electronics and electrical equipment company to setup their businesses in Palestine. Owing to Israeli–Palestinian peace process, various initiatives have been taken to promote business and trade between the states, specially in the field of electronics.

Mellanox Technologies (now sold to Nvidia), a former Israeli—American supplier of telecom equipment have employed Palestinian professionals from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The company also invested in setting up new factories and R&D centers in Palestine to improve the relations of Israel and Palestine. Eyal Waldman, the former CEO of the company choose Ramallah and Gaza for setting up R&D center which costed more than opening such center in Europe.

Apple Inc have been operating its business in the region for more than 20 years. The company have invested throughout the region in new R&D and outsourcing centers. It operates a research & development (R&D) center in Jerusalem. An another R&D center is located in Rawabi which is operated in association with ASAL Technologies.

•  Jenin industrial park with the help of German government (KFW)
•  Tarqumia industrial park with the help of Turkish government
•  Bethlehem industrial park with the help of French government
•  Jericho agricultural park with the help of Japanese government.

Table 16: main export products #o Products Percentage

• 1 Marble and stone 30%
• 2 Food products 16%
• 3 Metal and plastic products 10%
• 4 Agricultural products 19%
• All other sectors 25%

Economy

A panoramic view of Rawabi which is the first planned city in the state

The economic value of the state is US$30 billion which makes it as a middle lower and developing one. Despite being active in the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict, the state tries to develop and have gathered momentum for the development. Israel is the largest trade partner for Palestine for both imports and exports. Other major export partners of the state includes Israel, Turkey, China, Jordan and Germany. While export partners includes Israel, Jordan, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Industry and manufacturing

Manufacturing industry is highly concentrated in the West Bank. Due blockade on Gaza, their has been limited industrial development as compared to the West Bank. However, their is possibility of Gaza to be developed like Singapore or Dubai. Palestine's major exports includes steel, iron, stone, furniture and plastics etc. Palestine has signed free trade agreements and business association agreements with the European Union, the United States, Egypt, Russia, Turkey, and GAFTA, among other countries

Four major industrial parks have been established by the Palestinian Authority in West Bank and Gaza Strip. Those includes Jenin industrial Park (KFW), Tarqumia Industrial Park, Bethlehem Industrial Park and Jenin Industrial Park (KFW). Apart from them several special economic zones and free trade zones have been established to attract investments for the state. A large number of IT parks have been established in the major cities of West Bank — Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron and Bethlehem,

In 2000, oil and gas reserves found in the Gaza Strip's coast. It was named as the Gaza Marine. The Gaza Marine is a project for development of gas field in Gaza. It is worth of more than US$500 billion or US$1 trillion. Coca-Cola, SodaStream and Pepsi used to have their manufacturing plants in Gaza Strip. Electronics giant Apple Inc operates R&D centers in Rawabi and Jerusalem. Hebron is widely known for the production of Hebron glass. Nablus located on the Judaean Mountains is the center of Nabulsi soap

Information Technology and Telecommunications

13 universities have ICT-faculties, with 2500 yearly graduates. There are more than 300 ICT-related companies, both in the West Bank as in Gaza, with a total of around 5000 employees. Paltel Group and Jawwal are the major telecom companies of the state. Paltel Group have two data centers in Ramallah. The company has also opened a technology park to accommodate ICT companies

Mellanox Technologies, Wix, Freightos, Microsoft Israel, and a host of other Israeli companies already employ Palestinian software engineers and programmers – whether directly or through third-party associates — in Gaza City, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron and, now, Rawabi.

Tourism

Tourism is widely contributor to the state both economically and culturally. The presence of holy sites for Christians, Jews and Muslims have attracted tourists from all over the world. In Jerusalem, especially the East Jerusalem (claimed capital of Palestine) is home to holy sites for Christianity, Islam and Judaism which includes the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Masjid Al Aqsa. Apart from Jerusalem, other cities too are considered as holy places for Abrahamic religions. Hebron is known for Cave of the Patriarchs which is holy to Jews and Muslims.

•  Tarqumia industrial park with the help of Turkish government
•  Bethlehem industrial park with the help of French government
•  Jericho agricultural park with the help of Japanese government

•  Jericho agricultural park with the help of Japanese government



•  Jenin industrial park with the help of German government (KFW)
•  Tarqumia industrial park with the help of Turkish government
•  Bethlehem industrial park with the help of French government
•  Jericho agricultural park with the help of Japanese government.

Table 16: main export products #o Products Percentage

• 1 Marble and stone 30%
• 2 Food products 16%
• 3 Metal and plastic products 10%
• 4 Agricultural products 19%
• All other sectors 25%

Recognition

U.S. President Bill Clinton, Israeli PM Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat at White House during Oslo Accords in 1993

Palestine is considered as de jure state. It has limited recognition as a country just like Taiwan, Somaliland and Moldova etc. The two non contiguous territories claimed by Palestine are the Gaza Strip and West Bank including East Jerusalem. West Bank including East Jerusalem have been occupied by Israel. It is considered as illegal under the international law. Since 2007, a blockade have been implemented on Gaza Strip by Israel and Egypt.

Though East Jerusalem have been illegally occupied but still the Palestinian National Authority operates the Jerusalem Governorate. Though many Palestinians live in Muslim neighborhoods such as Sheikh Jarrah and etc. But due to occupation, often Palestinians and Israelis clashes with each other.

Largest cities

Largest cities or towns in State of Palestine Source?
	Rank		Administrative division	Pop.
Gaza Jerusalem (East)	1	Gaza	Gaza Governorate	766,331	Hebron Nablus
	2	Jerusalem (East)	Quds Governorate	482,854
	3	Hebron	Hebron Governorate	239,772
	4	Nablus	Nablus Governorate	{{{pop_4}}}
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Economy

Main article: Economy of Palestine

Bank of Palestine

A view of Rawabi from Ramallah

Palestine though being in the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict have managed itself to sustain a quite better economy. The condition of West Bank including East Jerusalem is far off better than the Gaza Strip. Palestine's GDP in 2021 was US$30 billion (PPP GDP). Previously Palestine used to have infrastructures accommodating industries. Prior to second intifada, the airports in Palestine were destroyed and since then no any airports have been active in Palestine.

However their are significant sources indicating that at many extents, the state has quite prosperity specially in the West Bank. As per sources, it have been found that there are 600 millionaires in the Gaza Strip. Industries consists of generally small family businesses that produce cement, textiles, soap, olive-wood carvings, and mother-of-pearl souvenirs; the Israelis have established some small-scale, modern industries in the settlements and industrial centers. In recent year high tech industries have started developing in the state.

Manufacturing and industry

A cement plant near Ramallah

The manufacturing industry is quite developed in West Bank. To promote foreign relations of Palestine, several countries in association have built up many industrial parks and promote trade between them. The four major industrial parks includes the Jericho Industrial Park (Japan), Bethlehem Industrial Park (France), Tarquima Industrial Park (Turkey) and Jenin Industrial Park (Germany).

However, Gaza has potential to be a big industrial center in the Sinai Peninsula. In 2000, a gas field was discovered in the Gaza Strip. It is worth more than millions or trillions of dollars. Gaza Marine could help in boosting the Palestinian economy and regional cooperation. In 2019, the gas fields were worth more than US$500 billion. Located about 30 kilometers from the Gaza coast, it is between the giant Leviathan and Zohr gas fields. Gaza is a coastal city. Since the Oslo Accords were signed in 1993, there have plans to build a seaport and airport in the Gaza Strip.

In the West Bank, Ramallah is the primary financial, commercial and technical hub of the state. Many of the electronics and IT companies have come up to invest in the state of Palestine. Some of the multinational companies such as Apple Inc and Mellanox Technologies have setup R&D centers in Palestine. Hebron is popular for its Hebron glass. While Nablus is widely known for its Nabulsi soap. Food and beverage companies — Coca-Cola, Pepsi and SodaStream had their manufacturing plants in Gaza Strip.

Information technology and telecommunications

See also: Communications in the State of Palestine

Rawabi is home to R&D centers of Apple Inc and Mellanox Technologies

13 universities have ICT-faculties, with 2500 yearly graduates. There are more than 300 ICT-related companies, both in the West Bank as in Gaza, with a total of around 5000 employees. Paltel Group and Jawwal are the major telecom companies of the state. Paltel Group have two data centers for telecommunication in Ramallah. The company has also opened a technology park in Ramallah to accommodate ICT companies

Mellanox Technologies, Wix, Freightos, Microsoft Israel, and a host of other Israeli companies already employ Palestinian software engineers and programmers – whether directly or through third-party associates — in Gaza City, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron and, now, Rawabi.

American multinational electronics company Apple Inc have two research and development centers in the state. One is at Jerusalem and another is at Rawabi. Mellanox Technologies also invested in the state. The company planned to setup R&D center in West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Transport

Beacon fishermen port in Gaza City

Palestine have a poor transport system due to the Israeli occupation and travelling restrictions. In terms of road transport, only the state is quite stable. There are many major roads in the Area A and Area B. Due to many checkpoints, travelling across the Palestinian territories have created difficulty in the economy. The blockade of Gaza Strip have severely affected the territory's economy.

Currently there are no active airports in the state of Palestine. There are three airports in the state — Yasser Arafat International Airport (Gaza Strip), Gush Katif Airport (Gaza Strip) and Jerusalem International Airport (Atarot, East Jerusalem). After Atarot airport, Yasser Arafat International Airport was opened in 1998. It was destroyed in 2001 during Second Intifada by Israeli airstrikes. Prior to airport's bombing, Gush Katif Airport managed to handle air traffic for the strip until 2004.

Tourism

Tourism is widely contributor to the state both economically and culturally. The presence of holy sites for Christians, Jews and Muslims have attracted tourists from all over the world. Jerusalem is home to holy sites for world's three major religion — Christianity, Islam and Judaism which includes the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Masjid Al Aqsa. Apart from Jerusalem, other cities too are considered as holy places for Abrahamic religions. Hebron is known for Cave of the Patriarchs which is holy to Jews and Muslims.

• 
  Gaza City
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
  Omari Mosque in Gaza

Development

A proposal by the Israeli minister of intelligence wants to see an artificial island built off the coast of the Gaza Strip. It would house an international airport, seaport and even a hotel.

• 
  Al-Aqsa Mosque is third most holiest site of Islam after Masjid al-Haram (Mecca) and Prophet's Mosque (Medina)
• 
  The Dome of the Rock
• 
  Great Mosque of Gaza
• 
  Cave of the Patriarchs
• 

Economy

Oil and gas

The oil and gas industry have plethoric opportunities for the state's economic and industrial development. In 2000, an oil and gas field was discovered in Gaza. It is worth about more than US$500 billion upto US$1 trillion. Which is very high in front of the GDP of Israel. It is to be found that significant oil reserves are found in Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank.

Iron and Steel

Iron and steel are of the main exports of the state of Palestine. A significant number of steel companies are found in the state, manufacturing and exporting to the countries. As of 2021, Palestine exported iron and steel to Israel worth US$89 million.

Software and Telecommunications

The IT sector of Palestine also includes the communication industry of the state. IT sector in Palestine is supported by its proximity to Israel. Following the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, various initiatives have been taken in order to promote trade between the two states especially in the field of information technology and telecommunications. Many Israeli companies have been outsourcing engineers and technicians from Palestine.

13 universities have ICT-faculties, with 2500 yearly graduates. There are more than 300 ICT-related companies, both in the West Bank as in Gaza, with a total of around 5000 employees. Paltel Group and Jawwal are the major telecom companies of the state. Paltel Group have two data centers in Ramallah. The company has also opened a technology park to accommodate ICT companies

Mellanox Technologies, Wix, Freightos, Microsoft Israel, and a host of other Israeli companies already employ Palestinian software engineers and programmers – whether directly or through third-party associates — in Gaza City, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron and, now, Rawabi.

Infrastructure

Transport

Transport facility in West Bank is fairly better than the Gaza Strip. Previously there were three airports used at that time. Namely — the Yasser Arafat International Airport (Gaza), Jerusalem International Airport (Jerusalem and Ramallah) and Gush Katif Airport (Rafah). Yasser Arafat International Airport was built in Gaza by funding from Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and was opened in 1998. Then US President Bill Clinton was present on the inaugural ceremony with Yasser Arafat.

Prior to Second Intifada, the Gaza Airport was destroyed in 2001. After that Gush Katif Airport started being used in replacement of Gaza Airport until 2004, when the airport was insufficient in handling the air traffic with limited capacity.

Israeli government planned to build settlements on the Atarot airport resulting protests from the Palestinians. After the protest, the authorities dismissed the plan and put forward the proposal of developing a joint airport between Israel and Palestine. This project will be basically the redevelopment of former Atarot airport.

After signing of Oslo Accords in 1993, a plan of developing seaport in Gaza came out.

References

•  This article incorporates public domain material from The Current Status of Industrial Sector in Palestine (PDF). United States Government.

Economy of Palestine

A photo showing sunset moments from downtown Ramallah

The economy of Palestine lower middle income developing based. GDP of the state of Palestine was US$30 billion in 2021. Palestinian economy is severely affected due to Israeli imposition of the territories. However in recent years, the economy of the state have been improved.

Industries

Electronics

Since 2000, high tech industry have started emerging in the state. This is due to the development of software and telecommunications companies having close proximity to Israel. Following the Israeli–Palestinian economic peace efforts, many

Due to presence of significant software companies, many electronics manufacturing company also wishes to setup themselves in Palestine. Some of the multinational companies have their manufacturing plants and R&D centers in the state of Palestine. Most of these facilities are located in West Bank and some in the Gaza Strip. Industrial parks established in Gaza, Ramallah, Bethlehem and Rawabi have attracted businesses in the electronics industry. Following Israeli–Palestinian economic peace efforts, many Israeli electronics companies have setup their facilities in the state. However, some companies do not directly operate in Palestine. Palestinian companies such as ASAL Technologies outsource Palestine engineers for foreign companies.

Due to its close proximity to Israel, which is home to Middle East's most advance technology industries and Palestine takes an advantage of this proximity. In the Levant, after Silicon Wadi and Download Valley, the tech cluster in Palestine especially in Rawabi and Ramallah is home to electronics industries of the state. The growth of software companies have also attracted electronics and electrical equipment company to setup their businesses in Palestine. Owing to Israeli–Palestinian peace process, various initiatives have been taken to promote business and trade between the states, specially in the field of electronics. Mellanox Technologies (now sold to Nvidia), a former Israeli—American supplier of telecom equipment employs Palestinian professionals from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The company also invested in setting up new factories and R&D centers in Palestine to improve the relations of Israel and Palestine. Eyal Waldman, the CEO of company choose Ramallah and Gaza for setting up R&D center which costed more than outsourcing from Europe. Apple Inc have been operating its business in the region for more than 20 years. The company have invested throughout the region in new R&D and outsourcing centers. It operates a research & development (R&D) center in Jerusalem. An another R&D center is located in Rawabi which is operated in association with ASAL Technologies.

List of tallest buildings in the state of Palestine

This article follows the list of tallest buildings in Palestine

List

Rank	Name	Image	City	Location	Built	Use	Height (tip)	Floors (above ground)	Source
1	Palestine Trade Tower		Ramallah	Al Irsal	2017	Commercial	120 m (390 ft)	24
2			Ghazzah		2001	Office, Residential	235 m (771 ft)	69
3	AMAAR Tower				2016	Mixed	212 m (696 ft)	54

list

• Palestine Trade Tower
• Al Ghefari
• Rawabi
• Nablus
• Irsal

upcoming

• Skyscraper of Liberation
• Nablus Financial Quarter
  • Building 1
  • Building 2
  • Building 3

Srl	Name

Electronics

Due to its proximity with Israel, which is hub of high tech industry and by this Palestine quite emerged as a hub of electronic industries. The estab

Economy of Palestine

A photo showing sunset moments from downtown Ramallah

The economy of Palestine lower middle income developing based. GDP of the state of Palestine was US$30 billion in 2021. Palestinian economy is severely affected due to Israeli imposition of the territories. In recent years, the economy of the state have been improved. Major export and import partners of Palestine are Israel, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and Jordan.

However, the dispute over the lands of Jerusalem, the revenue of Palestinian Arab industries don't include. If these amounts are included then the GDP might increase greatly. Due to close proximity to Israel, the silicon valley of Middle East have supported the growth of high tech industry in the state. Thus Palestine also houses a quite sizable electronics and ICT industry. Following the economic peace efforts, many Israeli — Arab joint industrial parks have been developed.

Industrial regions

Jerusalem

The Atarot Industrial Park houses several Palestinian Arab companies

Before the beginning of second intifada in 2000, the Atarot Industrial Park housed several joint and independent Palestinian Arab companies. Major industrial areas in the city includes Atarot, Wadi al-Joz Multinational companies such as Coca-Cola, Israel Aerospace Industries and Mercedes-Benz used to have their facilities in the area.

Being holy city to Christians, Muslims and Jews, tourism in the Muslim Quarters and related activities makes up the city's economy. Every year, various tourists and pilgrims visits the city. Their are various hotels, offices and shopping malls in the city. Retail and real estate sector also makes up a large part of the city's economy. Many Israeli Palestinian joint development projects have been developed throughout the city. A joint shopping mall for both Israelis and Palestinians have been opened.

Major industries of the Palestinian Jerusalem includes mining and quarrying, manufacturing, electrical power and water supply. Due to the Israeli restrictions on the main East Jerusalem city, now most of the industries are shifting from Jerusalem J1 to Jerusalem J2. The Jerusalem Governorate have more than 1000 factories. Most of these factories engages in manufacturing furniture, food and beverages and apparel etc.

To promote regional development, a joint Israel — Palestine airport is planned to be developed at the former Jerusalem International Airport site in Atarot which houses Jerusalem's largest industrial park.

Gaza

The economy of Gaza Strip have affected severely due to second intifada followed by the blockade by Israel and Egypt. In 2000, a large natural gas field was discovered in Gaza by British Company. It is named as Gaza Marine. As per the industrial experts, the value of the gas field ranges from US$500 billion to US$1 trillion. In 2023, the Palestinian Authority in cooperation with Hamas and Israel have planned to developed Gaza Marine.

Industries

Cement and concreate manufacturing

Development of various megaprojects in Palestine have increased huge demands of building materials including cement and marbles. The cement industry in Palestine is about to develop and flourish in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Information Technology and Communications

Main article: Communications in the State of Palestine

The IT sector of Palestine also includes the communication industry of the state. IT sector in Palestine is supported by its proximity to Israel. Following the Israeli–Palestinian peace process, various initiatives have been taken in order to promote trade between the two states especially in the field of information technology and telecommunications. Many Israeli companies have been outsourcing engineers and technicians from Palestine. There are 13 universities having ICT facilities. Every year 2500 Palestinians graduates in the field of IT engineering. There are more than 300 IT and telecommunication companies in the state, both in the West Bank as in the Gaza Strip. The IT and telecommunication sector employs around 5000 peoples. In recent years, many Palestinian companies in the field of telecommunications have been running successful. Paltel Group and Jawwal are the state's major telecom companies and both are headquartered in Ramallah.

Paltel Group have developed a technology park and special economic zone known as Paltel Business Center in Ramallah to house software and telecom companies. It is located near to the Palestine Trade Tower in Irsal Street of Ramallah. Paltel Group also operates two data centers in Ramallah. In between the conflict and occupation, many Israeli companies wishes to invest in the state to promote trade relations. However, most of the Israeli companies do not operate direct in the state. They outsource Palestinian engineers through outsourcing companies of the state.

Many countries have opened their joint technology parks in Palestine. One such includes the Palestine Techno Park in Ramallah and Bethlehem and was developed in association with India and other Indian companies. A tech hub have been also developed in Rawabi known as Silicon Rawabi. Israeli — Palestinian joint technology parks have been developed in West Bank and Jerusalem. In East Jerusalem, many Palestinian and Israeli joint industrial areas houses software companies.

Israeli companies including Wix and Freightos employ Palestinian engineers and professionals directly and third party associates in Gaza, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron and Rawabi. This third party associates are companies like ASAL Technologies, who provides outsourcing services to Israeli companies on basis of a contract.

Mellanox Technologies,

Wix, Freightos, Microsoft Israel, and a host of other Israeli companies already employ Palestinian software engineers and programmers – whether directly or through third-party associates — in Gaza City, Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron and, now, Rawabi.

Electronics industries

The electronics industry in Palestine is quite sizable. Due to its close proximity to Israel, which is known as Silicon Valley of Middle East and many electronics companies have established themselves in Palestine. The presence of software and telecommunication companies in Palestine have supported development of quite sizable electronic and equipment industry. A number of electronics and electrical equipment companies have setup their manufacturing plants and R&D centers in the Palestinian Territories.

Schneider Electric operates a facility in the Bethlehem Industrial Park in West Bank. It provides technical training to candidates. Mellanox Technologies outsource Palestinian engineers from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The company has also planned to open R&D centers in Ramallah and Gaza. Since 2018, Apple has been operating an R&D center in Rawabi. Apple has hired the services of Ramallah-based development contractor ASAL Technologies. There are about 60 engineers in the Rawabi facility working virtually with teams based in Herzliya and Haifa, both in Israel.

Electronics and Electrical equipment

Since 2000, high industries including electronics and electrical equipment industries have sustained growth the state. Due to presence of significant software and telecommunication companies, electronics companies also supported with the similar infrastructures. Industrial parks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip have attracted investments in the electronics sector. Many multinational foreign companies in the electronics sector have setup R&D and outsourcing centers in the state of Palestine.

Electronics companies concentrated in Palestine mainly focuses in manufacturing of chips, semiconductors, mobile phones and generators. Following the Israeli–Palestinian economic peace efforts, many Israeli companies have setup their manufacturing plants in Ramallah, Jerusalem and Gaza. Force Engineering for Generators and Solar Energy have a manufacturing plant in Gaza Strip. Schneider Electric operates a facility in Bethlehem Industrial Park, Bethlehem which provides technical training to peoples.

Mellanox Technologies, a former supplier of telecom equipment have planned to invest in Palestine, in Ramallah and Gaza Strip. The company have proposed to setup two R&D centers, one in Ramallah and another in Gaza. Though the company outsource Palestinian engineers on contract basis through ASAL Technologies. Apple Inc have been operating its business in the region for more than 20 years. The company have invested throughout the region in new R&D and outsourcing centers. It operates a research & development (R&D) center in Jerusalem. An another R&D center is located in Rawabi which is operated in association with ASAL Technologies.

Following Israeli–Palestinian economic peace efforts, many Israeli electronics companies have setup their facilities in the state. However, some companies do not directly operate in Palestine. Palestinian companies such as ASAL Technologies outsource Palestine engineers for foreign companies.

Due to its close proximity to Israel, which is home to Middle East's most advance technology industries and Palestine takes an advantage of this proximity. In the Levant, after Silicon Wadi and Download Valley, the tech cluster in Palestine especially in Rawabi and Ramallah is home to electronics industries of the state. The growth of software companies have also attracted electronics and electrical equipment company to setup their businesses in Palestine. Owing to Israeli–Palestinian peace process, various initiatives have been taken to promote business and trade between the states, specially in the field of electronics.

Mellanox Technologies (now sold to Nvidia), a former Israeli—American supplier of telecom equipment employs Palestinian professionals from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The company also invested in setting up new factories and R&D centers in Palestine to improve the relations of Israel and Palestine. Eyal Waldman, the CEO of company choose Ramallah and Gaza for setting up R&D center which costed more than outsourcing from Europe. Apple Inc have been operating its business in the region for more than 20 years. The company have invested throughout the region in new R&D and outsourcing centers. It operates a research & development (R&D) center in Jerusalem. An another R&D center is located in Rawabi which is operated in association with ASAL Technologies.

Stone and marble

The stone and marble industries went rapid growth in the early 1990s. Hebron and Bethlehem are widely known for its stone and marble industries. Launch of several development projects have increased the demand of building materials including

Economy

East Jerusalem is a disputed part of Palestinian territories between Israelis and Palestine. Numerous Palestinian Arab enterprises have been operating in Jerusalem over a century. Since the Israeli annexation, many of the Palestinian neighborhoods are underdeveloped and affected by poor management. Though many Palestinian entities invests in the city to improve the Palestinian economy of Jerusalem, particularly East Jerusalem.

Once East Jerusalem was an industrial powerhouse for Palestinians. Atarot was the largest industrial zone in the city where many Jews and Arabs worked together in factories. Palestinian Arab companies either independent or in joint venture used to operate in the zone. Multinationals such as Mercedes Benz, Israel Aerospace Industries and Coca-Cola had facilities in the zone. The second Intifada brought clashes between Palestinians and Israelis which heavily destroyed the industrial zone and Palestinian economy in East Jerusalem. Since then most of the businesses have moved to Ramallah.

Due to Israeli occupation and economic restrictions, most of the factories have been moved to J2 Jerusalem. Salah Al Din Street is known for its bustling commercial hub and marketplaces. A large numbers of restaurants and shopping malls are located in the street. Major sectors remained contributing to the economy; textiles, leather and apparels, tourism and hospitality, retail and shopping, electronics and software industries. Parts of Jerusalem having control of PA houses some manufacturing plants of leathers, textiles and apparels.

The reform since 2010 saw East Jerusalem developing too. In recent years many Palestinian entrepreneurs have invested the city's high tech and tourism sector. EasTech is a newly developed technology park for Palestinians developed by Jerusalem Foundation in Salah Al Din Street. Numerous companies including AT&T, Dell Technologies, Nvidia, Intel, Intuit, Natural Intelligence, Techlink and Cisco etc. have invested the facility.