Palestine
Palestine is a state located in the Southern Levant region of West Asia,
comprising of the territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
It is a land of rich history, culture, and natural beauty, where three major religions - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam - have deep roots and sacred sites.
Palestine is also a land of conflict and struggle, where the Palestinian people have been striving for self-determination and independence for decades.
In this article, we will explore some of the tourist places in Palestine, as well as some facts and information about this fascinating country.
Tourist Places of Palestine
Palestine offers a variety of attractions for visitors, ranging from historical and religious sites, to natural and cultural landscapes, to modern and vibrant cities.
some of the tourist places in Palestine that you should not miss:
Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the proclaimed capital of Palestine, although it is not internationally recognized as such.
It is also the capital of Israel, and the city is divided into East and West Jerusalem, with the former under Palestinian control and the latter under Israeli control.
Jerusalem is one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world,
where you can find the Dome of the Rock, the al-Aqsa Mosque, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall,
and many other sacred and historical sites.
Jerusalem is also a city of diversity and contrast, where you can experience the different cultures, cuisines, and traditions of the various communities that live there.
Bethlehem:
Bethlehem is a city in the West Bank, about 10 km south of Jerusalem.
It is the birthplace of Jesus Christ, according to the Christian tradition, and the site of the Nativity Church,
which is one of the oldest churches in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bethlehem is also a place of pilgrimage and celebration, especially during Christmas,
when thousands of tourists and locals flock to the city to witness the festivities and the lighting of the Christmas tree.
Bethlehem is also known for its handicrafts, such as olive wood carvings, embroidery, and ceramics.
Hebron:
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Hebron is another city in the West Bank, about 30 km south of Jerusalem.
It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and the site of the Tomb of the Patriarchs,
which is revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims as the burial place of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah.
Hebron is also a city of conflict and tension, as it is divided into two sectors:
H1, which is under Palestinian control, and H2, which is under Israeli control and where several hundred Jewish settlers live among tens of thousands of Palestinians.
Hebron is also famous for its glass and pottery industry, which dates back to the Roman era.
Gaza:
Gaza is a coastal strip of land on the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Egypt and Israel.
It is the most densely populated area in Palestine,
and the scene of frequent clashes and violence between the Israeli forces and the Palestinian militants.
Gaza is also home to some of the oldest and most resilient people in the world, who have preserved their culture
and identity despite the hardships and challenges they face.
Gaza has some natural and historical attractions,
such as the Gaza beach, the Wadi Gaza nature reserve, the Great Mosque of Gaza, and the Qasr al-Basha, which was once a palace and a prison.
Ramallah:
Ramallah is a city in the central West Bank, about 15 km north of Jerusalem.
It is the administrative center of Palestine, where the Palestinian Authority and many international organizations and NGOs are based.
Ramallah is also a modern and cosmopolitan city, where you can find a lively nightlife, a vibrant art and music scene, and a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Ramallah is also a hub for cultural and educational activities,
where you can visit the Mahmoud Darwish Museum, the Yasser Arafat Museum, the Palestine Museum, and the Birzeit University.
Facts and Information about Palestine
Now that we have seen some of the tourist places in Palestine,
let us learn some facts and information about this country,
such as its population, history, capital, flag, continent, economy, currency, code, pronunciation, abbreviation, and culture.
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Population of Palestine
The population of Palestine is estimated at 14.5 million, according to the World Bank.
Of these, 3.2 million live in the West Bank and 2.1 million live in the Gaza Strip.
The majority of the population is Arab, with a small minority of other ethnic groups, such as Armenians, Samaritans, and Bedouins.
Language of Palestine
The official language is Arabic, although many people also speak English, Hebrew, and other languages.
The main religion is Islam, with a minority of Christians and other faiths.
History of Palestine
The history of Palestine is long and complex, as it has been inhabited by various civilizations and peoples since ancient times.
It has also been conquered and ruled by many empires and powers,
such as the Egyptians, the Canaanites, the Israelites, the Babylonians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans,
the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Crusaders, the Mamluks, the Ottomans, the British, and the Israelis.
The modern history of Palestine is marked by the emergence of the Palestinian national movement,
which seeks to establish an independent state in the land that was once part of the British Mandate of Palestine,
and which was partitioned by the United Nations in 1947 into a Jewish state and an Arab state.
The Arab-Israeli conflict, which erupted in 1948 and continues to this day, has resulted in the displacement and dispossession of millions of Palestinians,
the occupation and annexation of Palestinian territories by Israel, and the resistance and struggle of the Palestinian people for their rights and freedom.
In 1988, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) declared the independence of the State of Palestine,
which is recognized by most countries in the world, but not by Israel and some other countries.
In 1993, the PLO and Israel signed the Oslo Accords, which initiated a peace process
and established the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza.
However, the peace process has stalled and failed to resolve the core issues of the conflict,
such as the status of Jerusalem, the borders of the Palestinian state, the settlements, the refugees, and the security.
Capital of Palestine
The capital of Palestine is Jerusalem, which is also the capital of Israel.
Jerusalem is a city of great religious and historical significance, as it is home to the holy sites of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
However, the status of Jerusalem is one of the most contentious and unresolved issues of the conflict, as both sides claim it as their exclusive and undivided capital.
The international community does not recognize Jerusalem as the capital of either state,
and most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv, the largest city in Israel.
The Palestinians consider East Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel in 1967, as the capital of their future state,
and have established some institutions and offices there.
However, Israel considers the entire city as its eternal and indivisible capital,
and has annexed and expanded its jurisdiction over East Jerusalem, which is deemed illegal by the United Nations and most countries.
Flag of Palestine
The flag of Palestine consists of three equal horizontal stripes of black, white, and green from top to bottom, overlaid by a red triangle issuing from the hoist.
The colors are derived from the Pan-Arab colors and represent the State of Palestine and the Palestinian people.
The flag was first adopted on May 28, 1964 by the Palestinian Liberation Organization.
Continent of Palestine
Continent of Palestine: is located in the continent of Asia, specifically in the region of Western Asia or the Middle East.
It is situated at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, and forms a land bridge connecting the continents of Africa and Asia.
Palestine borders Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and has a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea.
Economy of Palestine
The economy of Palestine is dependent on external aid, trade, and remittances, and is constrained by the Israeli occupation, restrictions, and policies.
The Palestinian economy is divided into two parts: the West Bank, which is more developed and diversified, and the Gaza Strip, which is more isolated.
The main sectors of the economy are services, agriculture, industry, and construction.
The main exports are agricultural products, textiles, furniture, and stone.
The main imports are food, fuel, machinery, and consumer goods.
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The main trading partners are Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and the European Union.
The unemployment rate is high, especially among the youth and women, and the poverty rate is also high, especially in Gaza.
The currency is the Israeli new shekel, although the US dollar and the Jordanian dinar are also used.
The fiscal situation is challenging, as the Palestinian Authority faces a large budget deficit and a heavy debt burden,
and relies on donor assistance and tax revenues collected by Israel on its behalf.
The economic outlook is uncertain and depends on the political and security situation, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the prospects for peace and statehood.
Currency of Palestine
The currency in Palestine is the Israeli new shekel, which is also the currency of Israel.
The Israeli new shekel is divided into 100 agorot.
The currency code is ILS, and the currency symbol is ₪.
The exchange rate as of 5 November 2023 is 1 USD = 3.92 ILS. The Israeli new shekel is accepted throughout Palestine, although the US dollar and the Jordanian din.
Landmarks of Palestine
About some of the landmarks of Palestine.
Some more places that you might find interesting:
The Church of the Nativity:
This is one of the oldest and most sacred churches in the world, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Jesus Christ.
The church is located in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The church was built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine and his mother Helena, and has been renovated
and expanded over the centuries by various rulers and religious orders.
The church is decorated with mosaics, paintings, and sculptures, and has a grotto where a silver star marks the spot where Jesus was born.
The church is also a place of pilgrimage and worship for Christians of different denominations.
The Dead Sea:
The Dead Sea is a salt lake that lies between Palestine and Jordan, and is the lowest point on earth, at about 430 meters below sea level.
The Dead Sea is famous for its high salinity, which makes it impossible for any life to exist in its waters, and also makes it easy for people to float on its surface.
The Dead Sea is also known for its therapeutic properties, as its water and mud are rich in minerals and have healing effects on various skin and health conditions.
The Dead Sea is also a place of historical and religious significance, as it is the site of the ancient Qumran caves,
where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, and also the site of the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The Walled Off Hotel:
The Walled Off Hotel is a unique and controversial hotel that was created by the anonymous British street artist Banksy,
in collaboration with local artists and activists.
The hotel is located in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, and faces the Israeli separation wall, which divides Palestine from Israel.
The hotel is designed to raise awareness and provoke dialogue about the conflict and the occupation, and also to support the local economy and community.
The hotel features 10 rooms, each with a different theme and style, and decorated with Banksy’s artworks and installations.
The hotel also has a museum, a gallery, a piano bar, and a gift shop, where guests and visitors can learn more about the history and the reality of Palestine.
Cities of Palestine
There are many cities of Palestine, each with its own history, culture, and attractions.
Some more details about some of the cities in Palestine:
Nablus:
Nablus is a city in the northern West Bank, about 60 km north of Jerusalem.
It is one of the oldest and largest cities in Palestine, and has a rich cultural and religious heritage.
Nablus is famous for its soap industry, which dates back to the 10th century, and its sweets, especially the knafeh, a cheese pastry soaked in syrup.
Nablus is also home to several historical and religious sites, such as the Old City, the Jacob’s Well, the Samaritan community, and the al-Nasr Mosque.
Jericho:
Jericho is a city in the eastern West Bank, near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.
It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to more than 10,000 years ago.
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Jericho is known for its mild climate, its palm trees and citrus fruits, and its archaeological and natural wonders.
Jericho is also a place of biblical and historical significance, as it is the site of the ancient city of Jericho,
where Jesus and the Israelites conquered the Canaanites,
and where Jesus was tempted by the devil.
Jericho is also the site of the Hisham’s Palace, the Mount of Temptation, and the Qasr al-Yahud, where Jesus was baptized.
Khan Yunis:
Khan Yunis is a city in the southern Gaza Strip, near the border with Egypt.
It is the second largest city in Gaza, and the fourth largest in Palestine.
Khan Yunis is a commercial and agricultural center, and also a refuge for many Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes in Israel and the West Bank.
Khan Yunis is also a place of resilience and resistance, as it has suffered from many wars and sieges, and has witnessed many acts of heroism and martyrdom.
Khan Yunis has some historical and cultural attractions, such as the Khan Yunis Museum, the Khan Yunis Mosque, and the Khan Yunis Cultural Center.
Beaches of Palestine
There are many beaches of Palestine, both on the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea.
The beaches are places of relaxation, recreation, and enjoyment for the people who live there,
as well as for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty and diversity of Palestine.
Some more details about some of the beaches in Palestine:
Gaza Strip:
The Gaza Strip is a coastal enclave that borders the Mediterranean Sea, and has a coastline of about 40 km.
The Gaza Strip has several beaches that are popular among the local population, especially in the summer months, when the weather is hot and humid.
The beaches offer a respite from the harsh conditions and challenges that the people of Gaza face,
such as the Israeli blockade, the frequent wars, the poverty, and the lack of basic services.
The beaches are also places of social and cultural activities, such as horse riding, swimming, fishing, playing cards, and taking photos.
Some of the beaches in Gaza are al-Shati, al-Sudaniya, al-Mawasi, and al-Deira.
Dead Sea:
The Dead Sea is a salt lake that lies between Palestine and Jordan, and is the lowest point on earth, at about 430 meters below sea level.
The Dead Sea is famous for its high salinity, which makes it impossible for any life to exist in its waters, and also makes it easy for people to float on its surface.
The Dead Sea is also known for its therapeutic properties, as its water and mud are rich in minerals and have healing effects on various skin and health conditions.
The Dead Sea has some beaches along the West Bank shore, which are operated by Israeli owners, with mixed staff and open access.
Some of the beaches are Biankini Besiesta Beach, Kalia Beach, and Neve Midbar Beach.
However, some of the beaches are closed indefinitely due to sinkholes, such as Mineral Beach.
Tel Aviv:
Tel Aviv is a city in Israel, about 70 km north of Gaza, and has a coastline of about 14 km on the Mediterranean Sea.
Tel Aviv is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan cities in the Middle East, and has a lively and vibrant culture, nightlife, and art scene.
Tel Aviv also has some of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the region, which attract millions of tourists and locals every year.
The beaches offer a variety of activities and facilities, such as surfing, volleyball, yoga, bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Some of the beaches in Tel Aviv are Gordon Beach, Frishman Beach, Banana Beach, and Hilton Beach.
Country Code of Palestine
The country code for Palestine is +970 .
Climate of Palestine
The climate of Palestine is influenced by its location in the Mediterranean region, as well as by its topography and the occupation.
Some more details about the climate in Palestine:
The climate in Palestine is generally temperate, with hot and dry summers and mild and rainy winters.
However, there are regional variations depending on the altitude, latitude, and proximity to the sea.
For example, the coastal areas of Gaza have a Mediterranean climate, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in August,
and annual rainfall of about 300 mm (12 inches).
The mountainous areas of the West Bank have a continental climate, with cooler and wetter conditions,
and average temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) in January to 24°C (75°F) in August, and annual rainfall of about 600 mm (24 inches).
The desert areas of the West Bank and the Dead Sea have an arid climate, with hot and dry weather,
and average temperatures ranging from 13°C (55°F) in January to 37°C (99°F) in August, and annual rainfall of less than 100 mm (4 inches).
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The climate in Palestine is also affected by the Israeli occupation, which limits the access and management of the natural resources, such as water, land, and energy.
The Israeli policies and practices, such as the construction of the separation wall, the expansion of the settlements,
the confiscation of land, the demolition of homes, the restriction of movement, and the exploitation of water sources,
have negative impacts on the environment and the livelihoods of the Palestinian people.
The occupation also hinders the development and implementation of effective policies and measures to address the challenges and risks of climate change,
such as adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction.
The climate in Palestine is expected to change in the future due to the global warming and the greenhouse gas emissions.
The projected scenarios indicate that Palestine will face higher temperatures, lower rainfall, more frequent and intense droughts, floods, heat waves,
and storms, as well as sea level rise and salinization.
These changes will have serious consequences for the water availability and quality, the food security and agriculture,
the health and well-being, the biodiversity and ecosystems, and the socio-economic development of Palestine.
Palestine is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change, despite its negligible contribution to global emissions.
Palestine needs more support and cooperation from the international community to cope with the impacts and challenges of climate change,
and to achieve its goals and aspirations for sustainable development and statehood.
Borders of Palestine
The borders of Palestine are the boundaries that define the territory claimed by the State of Palestine, which consists of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
The borders of Palestine are not internationally recognized, and are disputed by Israel, which occupies and controls most of the land.
The borders of Palestine have changed throughout history, depending on the political and military situation in the region.
Some more details about the borders of Palestine:
The borders of Palestine before 1948 were based on the British Mandate of Palestine, which was established after World War I and ended in 1948.
The British Mandate of Palestine covered the area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River,
and included the present-day Israel, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and parts of Jordan and Lebanon.
The British Mandate of Palestine was divided into six administrative districts: Jerusalem, Jaffa, Haifa, Galilee, Samaria, and Gaza.
The borders of Palestine after 1948 were based on the United Nations Partition Plan of 1947,
which proposed the creation of two independent states, one Jewish and one Arab, and an internationalized Jerusalem.
The Partition Plan was accepted by the Jewish leadership, but rejected by the Arab leadership, and led to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
The war resulted in the establishment of the State of Israel, which captured 78% of the Mandate territory,
and the displacement and dispossession of about 750,000 Palestinians.
The remaining 22% of the Mandate territory, which comprised the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, came under the control of Jordan and Egypt, respectively.
These areas became known as the Palestinian territories, and were home to about 1.5 million Palestinians.
The borders of Palestine after 1967 were based on the 1949 Armistice Lines, which marked the end of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
The Armistice Lines, also known as the Green Line, were not intended to be permanent borders, but rather cease-fire lines.
However, they became the de facto borders of Israel and the Palestinian territories until the 1967 Six-Day War, when Israel occupied and annexed the West Bank,
the Gaza Strip, East Jerusalem, the Golan Heights, and the Sinai Peninsula.
The 1967 war created about 300,000 Palestinian refugees, and placed about 2.5 million Palestinians under Israeli military rule.
The UN Security Council Resolution 242, adopted after the war, called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied territories,
and the recognition of the right of every state in the region to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries.
The borders of Palestine after 1993 were based on the Oslo Accords, which were signed by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel in 1993 and 1995.
The Oslo Accords initiated a peace process and established the Palestinian Authority, which was given limited self-rule in parts of the West Bank and Gaza.
The Oslo Accords also divided the West Bank into three areas:
Area A, which was under full Palestinian civil and security control;
Area B, which was under Palestinian civil control and Israeli security control;
and Area C, which was under full Israeli civil and security control.
The Oslo Accords also recognized Jerusalem as a final status issue, to be negotiated by the parties.
The Oslo Accords did not define the borders of the future Palestinian state,
but rather envisioned a permanent settlement based on the UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338,
and the principle of land for peace.
The borders of Palestine after 2012 were based on the 1967 lines, with mutually agreed land swaps.
This was the position of the State of Palestine, which was proclaimed by the PLO in 1988, and recognized by 139 UN member states as of 2021.
The State of Palestine also claimed East Jerusalem as its capital, and the right of return for the Palestinian refugees.
The State of Palestine was admitted as a non-member observer state in the UN General Assembly in 2012, and joined several international treaties and organizations.
The State of Palestine also applied for full membership in the UN, but was blocked by the US veto in the Security Council.
The State of Palestine faced many challenges and obstacles,
such as the Israeli occupation and settlement expansion,
the internal division between the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and the Hamas-led government in Gaza,
the lack of international support and pressure, and the failure of the peace negotiations and initiatives.
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